World No. 2 Elena Rybakina is set to face Thea Frodin, the young actress who portrayed a young Serena Williams in the film "King Richard" five years ago.
The first round of the 2026 US Open will feature a generational clash between Thea Frodin and Elena Rybakina. On one side of the net is the world No. 2, aiming to reclaim the top spot in the WTA rankings. On the other is the 17-year-old American, ranked 585th, making her Grand Slam main draw debut but already known for a cinematic role that brought her global recognition at the age of 12.
Location, Date, Time
Location: Flushing Meadows, New York
Date: September 1, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. ET
Elena Rybakina arrives at Flushing Meadows as the world's second-ranked player, buoyed by a season that saw her triumph at the Australian Open, where she defeated Aryna Sabalenka in the final to capture her second career Grand Slam. However, questions remain about her physical condition heading into her US Open opener, following an injury issue in Cincinnati against Iga Swiatek, who had also recently beaten her in the Toronto final.
The tournament in New York also presents a significant opportunity for Rybakina to climb the rankings. She can secure the No. 1 spot by reaching the semifinals, regardless of other results. She could also ascend to the top spot even without a deep run, depending on the performances of Sabalenka, Pegula, and Gauff.
Thea Frodin: From the "King Richard" Set to a US Open Debut
At just 17, Thea Frodin is preparing for the biggest moment of her young career. The American, ranked No. 585 in the WTA, earned a wild card into the US Open main draw by winning the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships. In New York, she will face a top-tier player in a Grand Slam for the first time, but the big stage is not entirely unfamiliar to her.
At only 12 years old, Frodin was cast as the on-court double for a young Serena Williams in "King Richard," the Oscar-winning 2021 film about Richard Williams and his daughters, Venus and Serena. Five years after that experience on set, Frodin finds herself competing on the actual US Open stage—the very tournament where Serena Williams built a significant part of her legendary career.
About the US Open Venue
The US Open is held at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, located in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in the Queens borough of New York City. The complex spans 46.5 acres, with an additional 11 acres in the adjacent park, and features 22 tennis courts. The main court is Arthur Ashe Stadium, which can hold up to 23,771 spectators, making it the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world.
The court surface is Laykold, which was introduced in 2020 to replace DecoTurf. It is known for its unique characteristics, offering lower friction and a lower ball bounce compared to other hard courts. In addition to the tournament courts, the facility includes 16 other courts—12 indoor and 4 clay—for public use. Since 2006, the entire complex has been named in honor of champion Billie Jean King, who won 16 titles at the event across various categories starting in 1964.
Rybakina vs. Frodin: TV & Streaming Information
The first-round match between Elena Rybakina and Thea Frodin will broadcast live on ESPN. It can be streamed on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, or Sling TV.
Rybakina vs. Frodin Match Odds
Match Spread (Games)
Elena Rybakina | -6.5 | -163 |
Thea Frodin | +6.5 | +120 |
Money Line
Elena Rybakina | -2500 |
Thea Frodin | +1200 |
Total Sets
2 Sets | -600 |
3 Sets | +400 |
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All odds written in this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.
