Legend and rising star: Venus Williams pictured alongside compatriot Alycia Parks prior to Birmingham Classic

Venus Williams was photographed with Alycia Parks during the practice sessions prior to the Birmingham Classic.

The American tennis legend will be competing in her second consecutive tournament this week after returning from an injury. At the Libema Open in 's-Hertogenbosch, Venus Williams showed a good competitive rhythm, winning the first set and taking the second to a tiebreak against Swiss player Celine Naef, who ultimately secured the victory with a score of 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2.

Alycia Parks achieved her first tour-level title this year at the WTA Lyon Open, defeating the top-seeded Caroline Garcia in the final. The 22-year-old rising star had the opportunity to train with Venus and they took some photos together, just two days before the start of the grass-court tournament.

At 43 years old, Williams is currently ranked No. 697 in the world and received a wild card entry to play in Birmingham, where she will make her debut against Camila Giorgi. Meanwhile, Alycia Parks will face the 5th seed Anhelina Kalinina.