Thea Frodin’s tennis journey has a full-circle Serena Williams connection.

At just 12 years old, Frodin served as a tennis body double for young Serena Williams in the 2021 film King Richard, the story of the Williams family and the rise of Venus and Serena Williams.

Now, at 17, she is stepping onto one of tennis’ biggest stages herself.

Frodin earned a U.S. Open main-draw wild card after winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championship in San Diego, the U.S. Open reports. The Woodland Hills, California, teen beat five seeded players on the way to the title.

The Associated Press reports that Frodin first picked up a racquet at 6 years old. Years later, she found herself helping bring Serena’s early tennis story to life on screen as the body double for Demi Singleton, who portrayed young Serena in King Richard.

Her own tennis story has been building ever since. According to WTA, Frodin still lives in Southern California but trains full-time in Nashville. Her national championship win secured her place in the U.S. Open women’s singles main draw.

For Frodin, the moment is more than a tournament debut. It is a reminder of how close inspiration and opportunity can sit next to each other. She once helped tell Serena’s story on court for a movie. Now, she is writing her own.

From King Richard to the U.S. Open, Thea Frodin’s next chapter is one worth watching.

We’re rooting for you, Thea!