Piotr Szczerek: Polish millionaire CEO apologises for snatching US Open player’s hat from young fan
A man filmed snatching a cap from the grasp of a child at the US Open has acknowledged he made a “huge mistake” after the video drew widespread attention online.
Polish man, Piotr Szcerek, who is the chief executive officer of paving company DrogBruk, explained that he was “convinced” tennis player Kamil Majchrzak had passed the hat in his direction.
In a written statement shared on the company’s social media, he admitted: “I know I did something what looked like a deliberate collection of the child’s souvenir. This was not my intention, but it doesn’t change the fact I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.”
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The footage, taken moments after Majchrzak’s career-defining victory over ninth seed Karen Khachanov, shows a young fan patiently waiting for an autograph when the player instead chose to gift him his cap.
Before the boy could take it, however, the hat was snatched by the millionaire businessman, who then appeared to slip it into his wife’s bag as the stunned child looked on.
“What are you doing?” the boy shouted in disbelief, as the man seemed to laugh off the protest.
The youngster continued to beg for the cap, but the couple ignored his pleas, handing him only a pen instead.
Mr Szcerek said the cap was given to the boy and pleaded for forgiveness.
“I hope that I have at least partially repaired the harm,” he said.
In an attempt to restore his reputation, Mr Szczerek promised to be “more actively involved in initiatives supporting children and young athletes”.
“It hurts for me, but I needed a lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust,” he added.
“Again, I’m sorry to anyone I disappointed.”
The apology came after Majchrzak tracked the young fan down via social media.
On Saturday, the world number 76 appeared in an Instagram post meeting the fan. His caption read: “Hello World, Together with Brock we wish you a great day!”
Majchrzak’s US open campaign came to a devastating end in the third-round after he tore an intercostal muscle.
