Polish CEO Apologizes for US Open Cap Snatching Incident
Published 1 September 2025
Highlights
- Piotr Szczerek, a Polish CEO, apologized for mistakenly taking a cap from a young fan at the US Open, believing it was meant for him.
- The incident, captured on video, went viral, sparking widespread criticism and prompting Szczerek to return the cap and issue a public apology.
- Tennis player Kamil Majchrzak, who had just won a match, expressed regret over the misunderstanding and later reunited with the boy, offering him merchandise.
- Szczerek explained his actions as a misunderstanding during the excitement of the match, emphasizing his intention to apologize to the boy and his family.
- Majchrzak, ranked 76th globally, had to retire from his next match due to an injury, adding another layer to the unfolding drama.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Polish CEO Apologizes for US Open Cap Snatching Incident
In a surprising turn of events at the US Open, Polish businessman Piotr Szczerek found himself at the center of a viral controversy after mistakenly taking a souvenir cap intended for a young fan. The incident occurred during a match involving tennis player Kamil Majchrzak, who had just secured a significant victory against Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The incident was captured on video, showing Szczerek, a paving firm CEO, snatching the cap from the boy, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The footage, which quickly went viral, depicted the young fan visibly upset, questioning Szczerek's actions. In response to the backlash, Szczerek issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and returning the cap to the boy.
Misunderstanding Amidst Excitement
Szczerek explained that he believed the cap was being passed to him for his sons, who had previously sought autographs. "I made a grave mistake," Szczerek admitted in a Facebook post, expressing regret for the misunderstanding and the distress caused to the boy and his family. He emphasized that his actions were not intentional and hoped his apology would help mend the situation.
Majchrzak's Response and Reunion
Kamil Majchrzak, ranked 76th in the world, expressed his own regret over the incident, noting the confusion that followed his match. He later reunited with the young fan, identified only as Brock, sharing a heartwarming moment on social media where he gifted the boy additional merchandise. "Together with Brock, we wish you a great day," Majchrzak wrote, aiming to turn the incident into a positive experience for the fan.
In a surprising turn of events at the US Open, Polish businessman Piotr Szczerek found himself at the center of a viral controversy after mistakenly taking a souvenir cap intended for a young fan. The incident occurred during a match involving tennis player Kamil Majchrzak, who had just secured a significant victory against Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The incident was captured on video, showing Szczerek, a paving firm CEO, snatching the cap from the boy, leading to widespread criticism on social media. The footage, which quickly went viral, depicted the young fan visibly upset, questioning Szczerek's actions. In response to the backlash, Szczerek issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and returning the cap to the boy.
Misunderstanding Amidst Excitement
Szczerek explained that he believed the cap was being passed to him for his sons, who had previously sought autographs. "I made a grave mistake," Szczerek admitted in a Facebook post, expressing regret for the misunderstanding and the distress caused to the boy and his family. He emphasized that his actions were not intentional and hoped his apology would help mend the situation.
Majchrzak's Response and Reunion
Kamil Majchrzak, ranked 76th in the world, expressed his own regret over the incident, noting the confusion that followed his match. He later reunited with the young fan, identified only as Brock, sharing a heartwarming moment on social media where he gifted the boy additional merchandise. "Together with Brock, we wish you a great day," Majchrzak wrote, aiming to turn the incident into a positive experience for the fan.
What this might mean
Looking ahead, this incident highlights the importance of sportsmanship and the impact of viral moments in the digital age. For Szczerek, the episode serves as a reminder of the responsibilities public figures hold, especially in high-profile settings. Meanwhile, Majchrzak's response underscores the role athletes play in fostering positive fan interactions. As the US Open continues, the focus will likely shift back to the court, but the lessons from this incident may linger, influencing future fan-athlete engagements.
