Road to the French Open

Hi everyone! My name is Sekou Bangoura Jr. I am 24 years old and a
professional tennis player on the ATP tour. For the last 6 years, I have
been travelling the world improving my ranking up into the top 200.

Within the last year I have moved my singles ranking up from 600 to 295 in
the world. Currently I am ranked 185 worldwide in doubles. This year I
have 2 wins over players ranked top 100 in the world.

I am raising money to cover my expenses for the next couple months to move
my ranking higher. My goal is to play in the 2016 French Open. With your
help, I can start off playing the necessary tournaments to make that goal
a reality.

The money donated will solely be used for expenses: food, housing,
stringing and airfare.

A typical day at a tournament will have cost me approximately $100. For
example:
I may pay $10 breakfast, $15 lunch, $20 dinner, $40 racket stringing ($20
per racket) and $10 on transportation.

A successful tournament last 7 days. As a result, the expenses can add up
quickly and the prize money earned at these events often barely covers the
expenses for traveling.

With your donation I will be able to cover my necessary expenses and will
help alleviate a lot of my stress.

I have been playing tennis since I was three years old and it has been my
dream to compete in and win a Grand Slam. At this moment in time I am
very close to making that dream a reality. Playing in the 2016 French Open
would mean so much to me. It would mean that all my sacrifice and hard
work has paid off. It would also give me an opportunity to compete
against the best players in the world on the biggest stage of my career.

I have not made it this far alone. My parents have sacrificed tremendously
for me to make it this far working numerous jobs to help support my dream.
At the same time I am travelling with Coach Murphy Payne who has also
given up so much in pursuit of this mutual goal. He has left a successful
business and comfortable home in Atlanta and packed up his family to hit
the road with me.

Tennis has allowed me to travel to countries such as; China, Hong Kong,
Korea, Dominican Republic, France and Canada. As a result I have seen a
lot of different cultures and met a lot of incredible people. Most
importantly traveling for tennis has given me a great appreciation for the
daily grind. The sacrifice and discipline it takes to progress on the pro
tour is tough yet it has helped me grow in all aspects of my life.
Pursuing tennis has taught me to keep my head up through tough times and
find the good in all situations.

I know that sacrifices are made by many people in all different fields .
Many people have made sacrifices to give me this opportunity.

Please help me stay on the pro tour so I may not only achieve my dream,
but also, continue to show my gratitude and appreciation for those who
have done so much for me.

P.S. Here is a link to an article that tells about my travels and
experiences from 2015.

http://mtvac.net/what-it-takes-to-be-the-best-three-generations-of-tennis-
champions-come-together-at-blue-chip-tennis-academy/

Also if you would like to keep up with my results you can visit my fan
page on Facebook
Just search for....Junior Bangoura. I'll be starting 2016 in Mendoza
Argentina! #roadtothefrenchopen