Russian former tennis player Elena Chernyakova never exactly scared opponents on the court, posting a 15-14 lifetime singles record and a 4-9 doubles mark.

But now the 23-year-old model-turned-actress will do her best to frighten movie patrons as the lead role in a new film called "Psychotic" - a completely improvised film being shot in Chicago.

Chernyakova plays Jennifer, one of two roommates who kill their friends and roommates in order to drink their blood. This might not be the movie to take the kids to see. Chernyakova last played in 2008, all ITF tournaments.

After leaving the sport she became a model while attending Northwestern University in Chicago, where she graduated in July 2012 with a degree in Communication Studies, Business Institutions and International Studies. She's appeared in a dozen small films and television shows in the past 18 months.