After he was slammed globally for snatching a signed hat from the hands of a young boy – a gift from tennis star Kamil Majchrzak at the 2025 US Open – a Polish millionaire has finally issued a public apology, claiming he was “convinced” the player was handing the souvenir to him.
On August 28 at the 2025 US Open in New York, Kamil Majchrzak of Poland had just pulled off one of the tournament’s biggest upsets: a dramatic five-set victory over world No. 9 Karen Khachanov. Riding high from the win, the 29-year-old walked over to the stands, took off his cap, signed it and handed it toward a young boy in the crowd.
But just as the child took the hat from Majchrzak, an older man standing nearby reached out and swiped it, right out of the boy’s hand.
“What are you doing?” the boy, whose name is Brock, shouted at the man, who stuffed the cap into his own bag, according to ABC7.
‘Bullying’
The moment, broadcast live and quickly circulated online, triggered an instant firestorm. Viewers branded the man’s actions as “disgusting,” “bullying,” and “shameless,” with many demanding accountability.
Social media users were quick to identify the man as Piotr Szczerek – a Polish millionaire and CEO – who, ABC7 reports, responded to the backlash by addressing the child: “If you were faster, you would have it.” He even threatened legal action against those publicly criticizing him.
Majchrzak makes it right
As outrage swelled, Majchrzak – who had unknowingly sparked the moment with his heartfelt gesture – took matters into his own hands.
Using the power of the internet, the Polish player tracked down Brock’s family and reached out personally. Days later, Majchrzak posted a heartwarming update on social media, sharing an image of his reunion with the young fan.
“Hello World, Together with Brock we wish you a great day!” he captioned the now expired August 30 Instagram story, alongside a smiling photo of the duo.
Public apology
After days of silence and escalating backlash, Szczerek – the CEO of a Polish paving company according to the New York Times – finally spoke out on September 1, issuing a public apology on social media.
In his statement, he claimed he was caught up in the moment of the victory and “was convinced that the tennis player was passing his hat” in his direction, for his “sons who had asked for autographs earlier.”
“I would like to unequivocally apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself. I have made a huge mistake,” he started in the Facebook post where the comments have been disabled.
“[My] misconception caused me to pull out my hand. Today I know I did something that seemed like consciously collecting a memento from a child. This wasn’t my intention, but it doesn’t change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans. The hat was given to the boy, and apologies to the family. I hope I’ve at least partially repaired the damage that was done.”
For the young boy, what began as a confusing and upsetting moment ultimately turned into something unforgettable – for the right reasons. Thanks to a thoughtful reunion, the story has shifted from outrage to redemption.
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