American 28-year-old Danielle Collins is through to the Australian Open final. Collins will be facing World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty for a shot at her first taste of Grand Slam glory. Surprisingly, Collins had not made her professional tennis debut until the age of 22. This is quite uncharacteristic for many players on the circuit, where the average age of turning pro is usually under 20 years.

Danielle Collins has been in the top-30 rankings ever since her debut- a remarkable achievement against the majority of a circuit which went pro well before she did. Furthermore, Collins also credits her coach Nicolas Almagro for her rise. She certainly saw victory a lot more, and that too against big-name players, after beginning her professional relationship with Almagro.

Who is Danielle Collins’ coach Nicolas Almagro?

Nicolas Almagro is a former World No. 9 Spanish player. The 36-year-old has 13 ATP singles titles to his name, is has been a quarter-finalist at the Australian and US Open.

Almagro retired from the sport in 2019, to return later as a coach. Danielle Collins and Almagro began their professional relationship in 2020, right before Rolland Garros rolled around.

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Collins, who had never made it past the second round of the clay-court Grand Slam, surprised everyone with her 2020 French Open run. Not only did she defeat Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, but also Spanish Garbine Muguruza to reach the quarter-finals.

Sadly, Collins lost to compatriot Sofia Kenin in the quarterfinals. However, on such short notice, it was remarkable what the new player-coach duo achieved.

Serena Williams’ Coach brought together Collins and Almagro

Even though Collins does not have a full-time coach right now, she has praised Almagro for all of his help. She credited Almagro for helping her transition to the clay surface after her French Open 2020 run.

She expressed it was difficult to not have a consistent coaching figure. Thus, she was “really happy to have Nico (Almagro) on board for the tournament”. “To have a former top-10 player coaching me is really special,” Collins expressed.

Almagro, who had retired from tennis in 2019, eagerly returned to the sport as Danielle Collins’ part-time coach. In fact, it was none other than coach Patrick Mouratoglou, the coach to Serena Williams, who put Collins and Almagro in touch.

All You Need to Know About Australian Open 2022 Finalist Danielle Collins’ Family

Then, Collins talked about how having a top-10 player as her coach was incredibly important to her, as “he knows what it takes to be at that level”.

Danielle Collins’ current coaching situation

Australian Open 2022 finalist Danielle Collins does not have a full-time coach as of now. However, her romantic partner Tom Couch works with her as her personal trainer.

Couch, a former NFL player has a healthy professional relationship with Collins as well. Moreover, former Australian player Jay Gooding had also coached Collins. Additionally, American coach Chip Brooks also had a coaching equation with Danielle Collins as well.

Collins, who was aided by Almagro in her transition and eventual expertise on clay, won her first WTA title at the Palermo Ladies Open last year in 2021.

It now remains to be seen if Danielle Collins will finally taste Grand Slam glory by winning her first Grand Slam.

WATCH THIS STORY: ‘We Were Both Crying’: Ashleigh Barty Reveals She Had an Emotional Breakdown Before Semi-Finals