Polish CEO Apologizes After Snatching Child’s Hat at US Open
Piotr Szczerek says he made a 'huge mistake' after video of the incident went viral; he returned the signed cap and called the episode a 'necessary lesson in humility.'
Piotr Szczerek, a Polish chief executive caught on camera snatching a signed cap from a young fan at the US Open, issued a public apology on social media Monday, saying he had made a "huge mistake" and that the episode was a "necessary lesson in humility."
The 50-year-old boss of paving company Drogbruk said he was "convinced" tennis player Kamil Majchrzak was passing the hat toward him to give to his sons and that, in the excitement following the match, he took the cap from the child. "I would like to unequivocally apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself," Szczerek wrote. He said he had returned the hat to the boy and hoped that gesture had "at least partially repaired the damage that was done."
The incident occurred Thursday after Majchrzak, 29, defeated Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov in a US Open match. Video circulated widely on social media showing Majchrzak offering his cap to a child in the stands before Szczerek can be seen taking it. The clip prompted swift criticism online and drew attention from international media.
Szczerek acknowledged the public backlash and described his action as a "serious mistake," saying emotions and the crowd's jubilation contributed to his misjudgment. "In the emotions, in the crowd’s joy after the victory, I was convinced that the tennis player was handing the cap in my direction — for my sons, who had earlier asked for autographs," he wrote. He added that the episode was painful but instructive.
Majchrzak, who had just secured the match win when the exchange took place, was not reported to have publicly criticized Szczerek in the immediate aftermath. Local and international commentators, spectators and social media users expressed dismay over the incident, with many calling for an apology and some describing the conduct as inappropriate given the child's apparent anticipation of receiving a memento from the player.
Szczerek’s statement did not indicate any disciplinary or legal consequences. He framed his remarks as an apology to the boy, his family, Majchrzak and the fans, and emphasized his intent to make amends by returning the hat.
The episode underscores heightened scrutiny of spectator behavior at major sporting events and the rapid amplification of isolated actions through social media. Organizers at high-profile tournaments have increasingly contended with incidents involving fans, athletes and memorabilia as cameras and mobile devices capture and distribute moments globally in real time.
Szczerek’s apology prompted discussion about accountability and the responsibilities of adult spectators near children at sporting events. He described the incident as "a necessary lesson in humility," and said he hoped his apology and the return of the cap would help repair the harm caused.
No official statement from the US Open or tournament security was included in Szczerek's posts, and there were no immediate reports of further action by authorities as of Monday.