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TENNIS ace Andy Murray has made a different kind of racket by singing in a Christmas video.

The Scot performed lines from Jingle Bells along with other tennis stars in a clip released by the ATP tour to wish people a happy festive season.

Sitting next to his year end world number one trophy wearing a Christmas jumper, Santa hat and wacky sunglasses, Murray shows his skills on the tennis court do not extend to singing.

In his distinctive monotone voice, he sings the lines: "Dashing through the snow, in a one horse open sleigh," before confessing his singing is "awful".

Posting the video on his Facebook page, Murray apologised to his fans for his efforts.

He said: "Before you click play.. I'd just like to take this opportunity to apologise on behalf of everyone involved in the video #23merrychristmas #23songbirds."

Murray's brother Jamie also features in the video along with fellow players Milos Raonic, John Isner, Marin Cilic, Steve Johnson and Dominic Thiem.

Fans of Murray, 29, were quick to remind him to stick to tennis after viewing the footage while others offered to help him improve his performance.

Morag Campbell, chief executive of the National Youth Choir of Scotland, said: "Andy Murray and Jamie next time you're in Scotland call the National Youth Choir of Scotland and we'll try to sort you out for next year's video."

Norman John Davidson said: "Don't give up the day job Andy."

Hilary Reed added: "Oh dear. Apology accepted. Merry Christmas and many aces next year."

The Dunblane star failed in a previous foray into the world of pop, when a single he sang on sold only 200 copies.

In 2009, he recorded a rapping section on the song Autograph with American Grand Slam-winning doubles partners Bob and Mike Bryan.

The record, which also features a segment by Novak Djokovic failed to make the charts because it did not register the requisite 1,000 sales.

Ronnie Gurr, the Edinburgh-based music industry manager, said Murray had failed to grasp the concept of rapping, adding: "Never has the maxim 'don't give up the day job' been more apt."

Murray himself admitted on his Twitter page that his rapping was "awful".