Metro Manila, Philippines — It was another almost-but-not-quite moment for Alex Eala as she fell short of booking a historic spot in the main draw of the US Open.

The 19-year-old ace suffered a three-set defeat to Romania’s Elena-Gabriela Ruse, 6-3, 1-6, 4-6, in the final qualifying round of the US Open Friday, Aug. 23, in New York City.

The world No. 48 Eala is aiming to become the first Filipino female tennis player to make it to the main draw of a grand slam.

Earlier this year, she was just a win short of earning a spot in the main draw of the French Open and Wimbledon.

Eala will have a couple of months to prepare as she tries to get another crack at qualifying in a grand slam main draw at the Australian Open in January next year.