Elena Baltacha insists she can recover from the agony of missing out on the US Open main draw by breaking into the world’s top 100.

The 26-year old reached the last round of qualifying at Flushing Meadows but was well below her best in a three set defeat to Russia’s Anastasia Rodionova.

And the Scot has to live with the knowledge that victory in that match would also have guaranteed her a place in the top 100 for the first time in her career.

But after being named 2009 player of the year by Tennis Scotland this week, Baltacha is determined to move on from her New York disappointment.

“It was a really tough battle with Anastasia,” said the British number two, who is at a career-high ranking of 102.

“I knew I would have to play my best tennis to win but I think she was the better player on the day.

“It was frustrating not to break into the world’s top 100 but I reached the same stage here last season so my ranking is not going to drop.

“I’m getting closer and closer to the top 100 and it’s really exciting. I want to play ten more tournaments before the end of the season and I do feel that my tennis is getting much better.”