Fiery on court and unfiltered off it, Danielle Collins has carved a name for herself with both her powerful groundstrokes and candid personality. The tennis star continues to defy expectations, rising through the ranks with grit and flair.
From Grand Slam breakthroughs to moments of emotional vulnerability, her career has been anything but predictable. Her journey, marked by bold decisions and a late bloom, mirrors the same tenacity she brings to each match.
Beyond the baseline, intrigue surrounds her personal life, coaching choices and unique path into the pro tour. With retirement looming on the horizon, she remains one of the most compelling figures on the tennis circuit today.
How old is Danielle Collins?
Danielle Collins was born on December 13, 1993 — making her 31 years old. While many pros hit their peak in their early 20s, she took a different route. She sharpened her skills in college, winning two NCAA singles titles at the University of Virginia before turning pro in 2016.
Danielle Collins of the United States poses with the trophy after she defeated Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during the Women’s Final at Hard Rock Stadium on March 30, 2024. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
How tall is Danielle Collins?
Danielle Collins is 5 feet 10 inches tall (1.78 meters). That height, combined with her athleticism, has helped her develop one of the most aggressive baseline games on the tour.
Her serve — flat, fast and fearless — often sets the tone. It’s a physical edge that allows her to dominate rallies, especially on hard courts, where she thrives. She uses every inch to pressure opponents and stay on the front foot.
Is Danielle Collins single?
No, Danielle Collins is not single! She’s in a relationship with Bryan Kipp. Kipp, a Columbia University graduate and former football player, met her in London during Wimbledon.
According to People, he didn’t even know she was a professional tennis player when they first spoke. Since then, the pair have quietly built a solid relationship, with him supporting her both courtside and behind the scenes.
Danielle Collins’ family
Danielle was raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, by her parents Walter and Cathy Collins. Her father, a landscaping business owner and recreational tennis player, introduced her to the sport when she was just three.
Danielle Collins of the United States reacts after winning a point in the first set against Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan during the Women’s Final at Hard Rock Stadium on March 30, 2024. (Source: Elsa/Getty Images)
He coached her for years, instilling a fighting spirit that’s become her trademark. Her mother and brother, Joel, have also played key roles in supporting her journey, from junior tournaments to Grand Slam finals.
Who is the coach of Danielle Collins?
Danielle Collins has been coached by a trio, including Nicolás Almagro, Jared Jacobs and Ryan Harrison. Almagro, the former Spanish world No. 9, began working with her in 2020 and helped refine her clay-court game.
Jared Jacobs and Ryan Harrison, the latter a former ATP pro himself, have also been instrumental. Each coach brings something different to the table, from mental focus to tactical insight, and together they form a team that’s helped her unlock new levels in her game.
Danielle Collins’ career highlights
- Back-to-back NCAA Champion (2014, 2016): Before going pro, Collins made her mark in college tennis by winning two NCAA singles titles at the University of Virginia. Few players on the tour have a collegiate résumé as decorated as hers. Her time in Charlottesville helped her develop the discipline and grit that later defined her WTA presence.
- Turned Pro in 2016: Unlike many of her peers who skip college entirely, Collins chose to finish her degree in media studies before hitting the tour. She turned pro at 22, a relatively late age in tennis terms, but her mature approach helped her rise quickly.
- Breakthrough — Australian Open Semifinals (2019): In just her fifth Grand Slam main draw, Collins shocked the tennis world by reaching the semifinals in Melbourne, defeating the likes of Angelique Kerber. It marked her arrival on the big stage and proved she could hang with the elite.
- Career-high ranking — World No. 7 (July 2022): After years of solid results, she peaked at No. 7 in the WTA rankings — a major achievement for a player who had battled injuries and spent much of her 20s outside the Top 50.
- Grand Slam Finalist — Australian Open (2022): Collins reached her first Grand Slam final in early 2022, falling to Ash Barty in a spirited contest. The run included wins over Iga Świątek and Alizé Cornet, showcasing her raw power and relentless competitiveness.
- Miami Open Champion (2024): In what was expected to be her final season, Collins shocked the field by winning the 2024 Miami Open — her biggest career title — defeating Elena Rybakina in the final. It was a victory that resonated well beyond tennis: a defiant act of athletic will.
- Clay queen moment — Charleston Title (2024): Just weeks after Miami, she also captured the Charleston Open, showing her versatility and stamina. The title run included big wins over established clay-court threats and proved she was far from done.
