Elena Rybakina, seeded second, secured her place in the second round of the 2026 US Open by defeating 17-year-old wildcard Thea Frodin 6-3, 6-2 on Tuesday at Grandstand Court. The match, lasting just 74 minutes, marked Rybakina’s first appearance at the tournament amid concerns over an Achilles injury sustained two weeks prior during the Cincinnati Open quarterfinals.
Throughout the encounter, Rybakina appeared untroubled by the injury, efficiently saving both break points she faced and converting three breaks of her own. Her composed performance suggested a full recovery as she advanced without dropping a set.
Rising Talent Shines Despite Defeat
Frodin, whose rise to the US Open main draw came as a wildcard, impressed the Flushing Meadows crowd with her powerful serve, delivering 11 aces at speeds reaching 122 MPH. The California native is also known for her unique connection to tennis history, having worked as Serena Williams’s body double in the 2021 biographical film King Richard.
However, Frodin’s aggressive approach came with a cost: 21 unforced errors and three double faults hindered her ability to capitalize on her serving prowess. After the match, Rybakina acknowledged Frodin’s strong game, emphasizing that while her potential is evident, gaining experience and consistency will be key to her future success on the professional circuit.