Andy Murray vs John McEnroe with Jaguar XE, F-TYPE SVR, and Formula E Racecar – Video
Andy Murray took on his fastest opponent ever when the British No.1 went head-to-head in a unique contest with Jaguar’s F-TYPE SVR driven by tennis legend, John McEnroe.
At Thruxton, the fastest motor-racing circuit in the UK, the British sporting icon squared off against McEnroe, disguised as a stunt driver behind the wheel of Jaguar’s supercharged high performance vehicles.
Murray said: “Trying to find an inch perfect serve at 130mph against the top players in the world is tough enough, but hitting a target racing past you at 160mph was the toughest and most unique match I’ve had.”
Behind the wheel of Jaguar’s luxury, high performance vehicles, McEnroe initiated the challenge in the Jaguar XE, F-TYPE SVR and the new Formula E racing machine in teaser livery, testing Murray’s precision, power and reaction speeds to the limit.
McEnroe, who revealed himself at the end of the challenge as the driver in Jaguar Racing’s test vehicle, said: “I wasn’t going easy on Andy. You can see from his reaction when he realised it was me. It was priceless! I’ve seen him react badly before, but nothing quite like that.”
The three-time Wimbledon champion admitted he went through a full range of emotions on his first drive of the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR. He said: “Wow! The drive & handling was incredible. I was a bit nervous when the engine first sounded. It’s a bit like the first time you go on a rollercoaster – when the adrenaline kicks in – it’s exhilarating, especially going around the corners at 150mph. It’s a very different sensation to playing in front of 15,000 on Centre Court.”
Murray, who owns a Jaguar F-TYPE Coupé and has already placed an order for the new Jaguar F-PACE, insists he is ready to seal his second Wimbledon title. He said: “I have played my best ever tennis on clay this year, and my form is as good now as it has been over the last couple of years.”
Looking ahead to The Championships, which begins on Monday 27 June, Murray added: “At the start of the year, Wimbledon is the one tournament that every tennis player wants to win. There’s more competition for every point, and the pressure is more intense during these two weeks than at any other Grand Slam. I’m confident I’ve got a great chance.”