Venus Williams advances at Olympics

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WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Venus Williams began her bid for a record fourth gold medal in Olympic tennis Monday by beating Sara Errani of Italy, 6-3, 6-1.

It was an impressive showing from Williams, who is unseeded and drew a tough first-round foe. Errani has won four titles this year, was the runner-up at the French Open and is ranked a career-high No. 9.

But Williams was in fine form on the Wimbledon grass, where she has won five of her seven Grand Slam titles.

Despite being diagnosed last year with an autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue, Williams began 2012 determined to make the Olympics for the fourth time. She won the gold medal in singles at the 2000 Games and teamed with sister Serena to take the gold in doubles in 2000 and 2008.