Thea Frodin produced 11 aces but could not turn a late fightback into a victory at the US Open on Tuesday. ABC News Sports reported that the 17-year-old from California was beaten by No. 2 Elena Rybakina, 6-3, 6-2.
The match was Frodin’s first WTA Tour appearance in a Grand Slam tournament. Frodin nearly matched twice the serving output of one of women’s tennis’ best servers, according to the report.
She made a determined stand late in the match, hitting consecutive aces after facing match point while trailing 5-1. Another ace wiped away a further match point before Frodin held serve, but Rybakina eventually closed out the contest with her sixth ace. Rybakina would take over the No. 1 ranking from Aryna Sabalenka if she makes the semifinals, or if the two-time defending champion does not win the tournament.
Frodin reached the US Open after winning the USTA Billie Jean King national championships and receiving a wild card. Her tennis background also led to a film role: in the 2021 movie King Richard, she served as the body double for Demi Singleton, who portrayed the younger Serena Williams.
Frodin earned that audition opportunity after winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles sectional titles in California at the 10-and-under level. She then spent 6 months working on set for the movie, which featured Will Smith as Richard Williams, the father of Serena Williams and Venus.
Smith won an Oscar for his performance, while Frodin’s own tournament debut ended with a loss despite the strong serving display.