A Polish company boss who faced the wrath of the internet after video caught him snatching a tennis star’s hat from a young boy at the US Open has admitted making a “serious mistake”.
Piotr Szczerek was branded a “jerk” and “the most hated man in America” by people on social media after footage showed him grabbing Kamil Majchrzak’s cap as the world 76-ranked player offered it to a young boy in the crowd, following his five-set win over Karen Khachanov in the second round.
The boy, named as Brock, can be seen pleading to get it back.
The move sparked a wave of anger and backlash from people on social media.
Mr Szczerek has now issued a lengthy apology on his company’s Instagram account.
Grown man at the U.S. open snatches the hat that Kamil Majchrzak was trying to give to this kid.
— Rochellemaryn 🌹🕊️ (@RochelleAz) August 29, 2025
I believe the tennis star found the little boy to replace this hat.
Anyone know who the louse was that stole the hat and stashed it in a bag?
Make him famous. pic.twitter.com/omi4S14qvg
He wrote: “Due to the situation that occurred during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to unequivocally apologise to the boy, his family, all the fans, and the player himself.
“I made a serious mistake. In the midst of emotion, amidst the crowd's celebration after the victory, I was convinced that the tennis player was passing the cap to me—for my sons, who had previously asked for autographs.
“This mistaken belief caused me to instinctively reach out. Today I know that I did something that looked like deliberately taking a souvenir from a child. It wasn't my intention, but that doesn't change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans.
“The cap was given to the boy, and an apology to the family. I hope that I have at least partially redressed the harm that has been done.
“I also want to make it clear: neither I, my wife, nor my sons commented on this situation on social media or on any website. We did not use the services of any law firm in this regard. All alleged statements appearing online are not ours.
“For years, my wife and I have been involved in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown me that one moment of inattention can undo years of work and support. This is a painful but necessary lesson in humility for me.
“Therefore, I will be even more actively involved in initiatives supporting children and young people and in actions against violence and hate. I believe that only through actions can I rebuild lost trust.
“I apologise again to everyone I have disappointed.”
Majchrzak had earlier blamed the incident on “some kind of confusion”, adding that Mr Szczerek sponsors his tennis federation in Poland.
Szczerek has attempted to make amends with the fan and his family, Majchrzak told the news outlet.
Majchrzak put a call out on social media to find the boy.
He has since posted an image of himself online standing next to Brock who is wearing the cap.
"Hello World, together with Brock we wish you a great day!" the tennis player's caption said.
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