Teenage American tennis player Thea Frodin is preparing for a milestone moment at the US Open, just a few years after portraying her childhood idol on the silver screen. The 17-year-old earned a wildcard entry into the main singles draw by winning the USTA Girls' 18s National Championships.

Long before breaking through on the professional circuit, Frodin spent six months working as a tennis-playing body double for the young Serena Williams in the Oscar-nominated biographical drama King Richard. At the age of 12, she collaborated closely on the court with lead actor Will Smith, who portrayed Richard Williams. Frodin recalled that Smith often brought hot water to the set during cold, rainy days to keep her warm between takes.

The immersive filming experience left a lasting mark on her game. Frodin grew so accustomed to replicating the legendary player's mechanics that her coaches eventually had to intervene to help her return to her natural playing style. She noted that she inadvertently adopted the trademark backhand of the 23-time major singles champion before working to reclaim her own form.

Frodin has continued to build momentum in her junior and professional career ahead of her Flushing Meadows debut. Earlier in the season, she reached the semi-finals of the girls' singles at the Australian Open and made a promising WTA Tour qualifying appearance in Miami. She also demonstrated her potential by pushing veteran player Viktorija Golubic to three sets in a tightly contested match.

Her reward for securing the national title is a daunting opening-round clash against world number two Elena Rybakina. Despite the immense challenge posed by the reigning Australian Open champion, Frodin is focused on embracing the electric atmosphere of her home major. She emphasized her desire to stay present and enjoy the opportunity to compete on such a grand stage.

Although Frodin has never crossed paths with Serena or Venus Williams in person, she remains hopeful of a meeting during the tournament fortnight. Sharing a court or simply speaking with the iconic sisters would fulfill a lifelong ambition for the rising teenager. Her opening match represents the latest chapter in a journey that began with emulating her hero on film.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.