Santiago Giraldo has hired former Australian Open finalist Fernando Gonazlez as a coach.

Gonzalez is the newest member of a growing group of former top players who have recently taking up coaching, joining Stefan Edberg, Boris Becker, Ivan Ljubicic, and Sergi Bruguera, among others.

"I will be with Santi for a few weeks a year," said Gonzalez, who trained with Giraldo the week before the Colombian reached the final in Barcelona. "I have been retired for two years and the competition is calling me."

The 26-year-old will continue working full-time with his current coach, Felipe Baron. Giraldo, who reached No. 39 in the rankings in 2012, is adding Gonzalez with the goal of reaching the Top 30 and aiming towards the Top 10.