Sir Andy Murray has admitted that he finds filming television commercials far more challenging than his former career as a professional tennis player. The 38-year-old, who retired from tennis after the Paris Olympics last summer, now works as a brand ambassador for several companies, including Walker's Shortbread, Albert Bartlett potatoes, pet food firm Purina, and footwear brand Hylo.
A Difficult Transition to Acting
In a recent interview on The Drop podcast, Murray explained the discomfort he feels when required to act in front of a camera. He noted that while professional athletes experience nerves, there is a confidence in their ability to perform at a high level. However, acting presents a different kind of pressure.
Murray said: 'For me filming things like that is hard. There is a lot of me trying to act - I don't know if it is really acting or not but I was trying to. There was a lot of people in the room and there was a lot of lines to remember and it's difficult.'
Comparing Tennis and Acting
The three-time Grand Slam champion elaborated on the contrast between his two roles: 'If you’re a professional athlete obviously you get nervous but there is a confidence in your ability to play tennis at the highest level. Yes there are nerves and pressure that you have to perform but at least I knew I could do that to a high level. Whereas where you’re being asked to act in front of other actors and extras it can be pretty awkward. It’s a difficult thing. Acting is a lot harder than it looks so I find it very difficult.'
The Hylo Advert Campaign
Murray's latest commercial for Hylo, released last month, features him in a parody press conference where microphones fail and the stage collapses. In the advert, he is asked if he aims to rival former nemesis Roger Federer, who helped Swiss footwear brand On achieve a market valuation of £15 billion. Murray denies any competition before sharing a villainous grin, hinting at a desire to cut into Federer's empire.
Beyond Hylo, Murray is also appearing in an advertising campaign for dog food alongside his new puppy.
