NEW YORK — Five years ago, Thea Frodin depicted Serena Williams in the Oscar-winning movie “King Richard,” performing as a body double.

In a full-circle moment Tuesday afternoon, Frodin competed in a tournament that Williams long dominated.

Frodin, 17, made her WTA Tour debut in the first round of the US Open, losing to second-seeded Elena Rybakina 6-3, 6-2 at the Grandstand stadium.

Despite the final outcome, the California-born Frodin held her own in front of a supportive American crowd, ripping 11 aces and taking five games against the reigning Australian Open champion.

“I tried going out there to see what it would be like just to feel no pressure,” Frodin said. “Yeah, just go out there and have a fun time. I feel like that’s what I accomplished, and obviously I have a lot to learn, but I’m excited with most of the things I did out there.”

A soon-to-be high school senior, Frodin earned a wild-card entry at the US Open by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships.

But long before then, Frodin cemented her place in mainstream culture by serving as the body double to actress Demi Singleton, who played a young Serena in the 2021 sports biopic about the Williams sisters’ upbringing by their eccentric father, Richard Williams.

Will Smith starred as the title character and won Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his portrayal.

Frodin said she had not yet met Serena, who was an executive producer on the film. Serena — a six-time singles champion at the US Open — is set to compete with her sister Venus Williams in the doubles tournament at Flushing Meadows this week.

“Hopefully I can get the chance soon, to get the opportunity to meet her,” said Frodin, who is No. 585 in the world rankings.

Frodin commanded more fanfare than the typical wild-card participant due to her Hollywood history. While Frodin certainly noticed the attention, she said it did not affect her.

“I think it’s hard to get away from all of that,” Frodin said. “It’s kind of just about accepting it and not letting it get to you. I feel like I did a good job of that. Obviously, I saw that Will Smith reposted one of my posts, so that was pretty cool.”

The Kazakhstan-born Rybakina said her team informed her of Frodin’s unique backstory. She came away impressed by the teenager.

“I didn’t see the movie,” Rybakina, 27, said. “But yeah, it’s a cool experience, definitely.”

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