Tennis player Kamil Majchrzak is getting a lot of positive attention after making an incredible gesture to a young boy who had his cap taken by a CEO.
After the Polish tennis pro clinched one of the biggest wins of his career against number nine seed Karen Khachanov in a dramatic five-set match on August 28, he stopped to sign autographs for fans gathered at Court 11 at the US Open.
Among the crowd was a young boy named Brock, who appeared overjoyed when Majchrzak handed him a signed Asics-branded cap.
But as the cameras rolled, a man standing nearby was seen taking the hat from the child and slipping it into his bag — leaving Brock visibly upset.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, where viewers slammed the move as “disgusting” and “bullying.”
One user even wrote: "Good job on the player for showing the kid there can still be some justice in this world.”
Majchrzak, who hadn’t initially realized what had happened, soon saw the viral footage and immediately took to Instagram to make things right. “Hey guys, could you help me find the kid from my match @usopen @eurosportpl,” he posted.
It didn’t take long for fans to rally behind the cause. Shortly after, Majchrzak reunited with the boy, posting a series of heartwarming photos and videos alongside him.
“Glad the kid got another hat. A lot of players wouldn't do this but he goes the extra mile,” one fan commented. Another added: "The tennis player is Kamil Majchrzak and that's a class act. Hats off to him."
Majchrzak explained to The New York Post what had happened: “I was pointing, giving the hat, but I had a lot going on after my match, after being super tired and super excited for the win. I just missed it. I had like a dead look if you know what I mean. I’m sure the guy was also acting in the moment of heat, in the moment of emotions.”
He also confirmed that with help from @asicstennis, Brock received another cap, and that he’d shared Brock’s mom’s contact information so the man who took the hat could reach out directly.
That man, now identified as Piotr Szczerek — a Polish millionaire and CEO of paving company Drogbruk — eventually admitted to being the one seen in the video and issued a lengthy public apology.
In a statement posted to Facebook, per The Sun, Szczerek said: “Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologize to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself. I have made a huge mistake.”
He claimed it was all a misunderstanding in the post-match chaos.
“In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tips his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier. The misconception caused me to pull out my hand. Today I know I did something that 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. The hat was given to the boy, and apologies to the family. I hope. Just Partly. I have repaired the hurt that has been done.”
Szczerek also made it clear that neither he nor his family had commented elsewhere online: "I also want to make it clear, neither myself, nor my wife, nor my sons have commented on this situation on social media as well as on any portal. We have not used the services of any office legal in this regard. All alleged statements appearing online are not ours."
As backlash mounted, Drogbruk faced swift reputational damage. The company's Google rating plummeted to 1.4 stars, while Trustpilot shut down its page entirely “due to media attention.”
Szczerek acknowledged the impact: “For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown I think that one moment of disregard can ruin years of work and support. It hurts for me, but a needed lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust.”
He concluded: “Again, I'm sorry to anyone I disappointed. Please understand - for my family's sake - I decided to turn off the option comments on this post.”