Alcaraz & Nadal v Molteni & Gonzalez – Olympic tennis LIVE

What a match that was! Very tidy from the experienced Argentinian duo of Gonzalez/Molteni almost throughout, but Alcaraz/Nadal truly found their form as a double and when they stepped up the intensity in the late stages, there was no stopping them.

Nadal serves for the match at 40-15, but Gonzalez/Molteni respond with an insane volley. One match ball yet for the Spaniards and this time they make it, courtesy of incredible top spin from Nadal.

Alcaraz has looked incredible at the net this game – he has truly turned from an individual, to a doubles player over the course of this match.

Alcaraz/Nadal defend a break point on 40-30, take the advantage themselves and bring it home with an exceptional return from Alcaraz.

Great fighting spirit from Gonzalez in this game who is looking mighty impressive on his backhand at the net. However, Alcaraz/Nadal are stepping up the intensity and Nadal’s forehand in particular is looking lethal.

Another straight game for Alcaraz/Nadal who have looked magnificent here.

More of a level playing field in this game as Gonzalez/Molteni finally match Alcaraz/Nadal’s increased tempo.

Alcaraz/Nadal defend a break point at 40-30 and take the advantage themselves with an excellent bit of skill from Alcaraz. Gonzalez/Molteni respond and the game goes back and forth. Eventually, Gonzalez/Molteni take it.

Once more, Alcaraz/Nadal are looking splendid with Nadal serving and it’s another straight game for them to equalise.

Gonzalez/Molteni are showing some lack in concentration now.

And another straight game for Alcaraz/Nadal.

Molteni’s serves, rock-solid in the first set, have looked a bit shaky in this game. An error from Gonzalez at 0-30 was the fatal blow.

Having looked to have somewhat lost focus, Alcaraz/Nadal are right back in it now with a straight game.

One break point is lost as Molteni misses a volley, but Gonzalez/Molteni make it at the second time of asking on 40-15.

The Argentinians are moving super quickly at the moment and are giving Alcaraz/Nadal absolutely no chance.

Alcaraz/Nadal defend one break point on 40-0, but Gonzalez/Molteni make it at the second time of asking.

Gonzalez/Molteni are doing a better job of defending their position at the net at the moment. Additionally, Alcaraz does well to keep switching sides, but Molteni’s return is too good and too fast.

First game for Gonzalez/Molteni who are looking excellent when serving.

The first set goes to Alcaraz/Nadal, but there was hardly anything in it. Gonzalez/Molteni are playing a very tidy match so far while Alcaraz/Nadal are pulling out exhibition stuff.

Absolutely nothing in it, but Alcaraz/Nadal take the advantage – unfortunately with a net cord – and Nadal creates the first set point on 3-6. Gonzalez/Molteni claw one back after an ill-advised cross volley from Alcaraz, Molteni reacting at the net, but the Spanish duo make it at the second time of asking, Nadal with a return winner.

Break point on 40-15 and Gonzalez/Molteni take it. Gonzalez is looking excellent at the net and Molteni is serving brilliantly with a very high percentage.

We’re going into a tie-break!

Break point on 15-40 and Alcaraz/Nadal make it.

Besides one double fault, the Spanish duo is looking incredibly strong with Nadal serving.

Second break point at 40-15 for Gonzalez/Molteni. Gonzalez has been outsmarting Nadal a bit with his slower serves.

Alcaraz/Nadal make the break point on 30-40. Nadal is looking in exceptional form and showing reflexes like he did 10 years ago. Alcaraz is warming up to doubles now and looking way more relaxed.

Not much in it, but Gonzalez/Molteni make their first break point at 40-30. It’s a very solid match so far from the Argentinians who are doing a great job of closing down their opponents.

Straight game for Alcaraz/Nadal now. Great serves from Nadal and Alcaraz is looking way more comfortable at the net than at the base line.

One break point defended, but Gonzalez/Molteni make it at the second time of asking – nothing flashy in their game so far, but very solid nonetheless.

On the Spanish side, Alcaraz looks to be lacking return stability at the moment.

Alcaraz/Nadal defend two break points and take the advantage but Molteni is on it to equalise again. Alcaraz/Nadal take the advantage back and this time convert.

Nadal is looking in splendid form while Alcaraz is a it of an enigma at the moment – he is showing some nerves, but at the same time played an incredible lob and is keeping rallies alive with hits from the far edge of the court.

Gonzalez/Molteni equalise with a break point on 40-15.

Excellent point from Gonzalez in there who hit a spinning ball with plenty of feel to play it short over the net.

Second game for Alcaraz/Nadal who make the break point on 15-40 – and an insane break point it was with Nadal standing with his back to the net and still hitting perfectly.

On the other side, Gonzalez impresses with his forehand but has given away points with his backhand.

First break point for Alcaraz/Nadal on 30-40 and they make it. Alcaraz is coming into his own now, demonstrated especially in a long rally he kept alive with a hit from near the edge of the court.

The first game goes to Gonzalez/Molteni who make the first break point at 40-30. The Spaniards don’t quite look in the swing of doubles yet.

Good evening and thank you for joining our live text coverage of Gonzalez/Molteni vs Alcaraz/Nadal.

All eyes will be on the Spanish duo this evening with on-form Carlos Alcaraz and Rafa Nadal, one of the greatest of all times. Don’t count out the world number six from Argentina Gonzalez/Molteni though who would love to cause an upset and crush the Spanish fairytale.

Who will come out on top and progress to the next round? We’re about to find out!