New York — A viral incident at the U.S. Open has sparked outrage and debate after a Polish businessman was caught on video snatching a tennis player’s souvenir hat meant for a child.
The moment occurred after Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak secured victory over Karen Khachanov. As is tradition, Majchrzak attempted to hand his cap to a young fan named Brock. But before the boy could receive it, Piotr Szczerek, a Polish CEO seated nearby, grabbed the hat and tucked it away, leaving the child visibly upset.
The video quickly spread online, drawing widespread criticism and accusations of poor sportsmanship. Facing mounting backlash, Szczerek issued a public apology on Facebook, admitting to “extremely poor judgment.” He said he mistakenly thought the cap was intended for his own sons but acknowledged that the act was “hurtful and disappointing.”
Szczerek later returned the cap and apologized directly to the boy and his family. Meanwhile, Majchrzak made sure to mend the moment by tracking down Brock after the match, gifting him a replacement hat along with other memorabilia. The two posed together for a photo that was shared across social media.
Calling the incident a “lesson in humility,” Szczerek pledged to support youth programs as part of his effort to repair the damage. Still, many fans online questioned the sincerity of his apology, noting it only came after the incident went viral.
For the U.S. Open, the episode has become a cautionary tale about fan behavior and the importance of respecting the unique bond between athletes and their youngest supporters.
