US Open Fan Incident: Polish CEO Apologizes After Taking Boy’s Hat

A lighthearted US Open tradition turned into a viral controversy when Polish businessman Piotr Szczerek was filmed taking Kamil Majchrzak’s cap from a young fan.

The 50-year-old CEO of a paving company was caught on broadcast cameras appearing to snatch the hat, which Majchrzak had intended for a child in the crowd after his second-round victory over Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov.

After the clip spread widely online and drew sharp criticism, Szczerek posted a statement on Facebook admitting he had made a “huge mistake.” He explained that he believed the cap was being passed to him for his own sons, who had earlier sought an autograph, but acknowledged the impression it left was damaging. He apologized publicly to the boy, his family, the fans, and Majchrzak himself, and said he had returned the hat.

Majchrzak, 29, later met with the boy, gifting him another cap and merchandise while sharing the moment on Instagram.

He said he believed the misunderstanding came “in the heat of the moment” but was glad the fan left happy.

The Polish player, ranked 76th in the world, retired injured in his next match after suffering a muscle tear.