While this marks Frodin's debut at the WTA Tour level, she is no stranger to the spotlight. The teenager gained unique experience in the entertainment industry when she served as the on-court body double for actor Demi Singleton, who portrayed a young Serena Williams in the 2021 biographical film,
A Transition from Hollywood to the Grand Slam Stage
Frodin’s journey to the US Open began with her early success in California junior tennis, where she dominated the 10-and-under sectional circuit. That proficiency on the court led to her audition for the film role, which required her to spend six months on set. Reflecting on the experience, Frodin described the opportunity to work alongside actors like Will Smith as a special chapter in her life, noting that portraying an athlete she has long admired was a significant inspiration.
The process of mimicking the iconic playing style of the 23-time Grand Slam champion proved to be so immersive that it briefly impacted Frodin’s own game. She admitted that after filming concluded, she struggled to revert to her natural technique because she had become so accustomed to replicating Williams' strokes. Her parents eventually encouraged her to return to her original form, a process that took some time to navigate.
Balancing Future Ambitions
Despite her foray into cinema, Frodin remains committed to her development as a tennis player. Although she previously competed in the US Open doubles last year, Tuesday’s match against Rybakina represents her first appearance in a WTA Tour-level singles event, following an unsuccessful attempt to qualify in Miami earlier this year. With one year of high school remaining, Frodin is keeping her options open regarding her future career path.
While tennis remains her primary focus, she has not ruled out a return to acting if the opportunity arises. She expressed a desire to find a balance between her athletic pursuits and the film industry, viewing acting as a potential secondary interest. For now, however, her attention is entirely fixed on the challenge of facing one of the world's top-ranked players on the grand stage of the US Open.
