Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak has addressed a viral controversy at the US Open after a video showed a man snatching a cap intended for a young fan.
The incident, which quickly spread across social media, led to widespread criticism of the individual identified by multiple outlets as Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek.
The footage, reported to be from Majchrzak’s second-round match on Thursday, showed the player offering his cap to a boy in the stands named Brock. However, before the child could grab it, Szczerek appeared to take the cap, leaving the boy visibly upset. The clip was shared millions of times, sparking outrage online.
Polish tennis player, Kamil Majchrzak meets the boy whose cap was stolen at the US Open, and gave him another one along with an autograph. pic.twitter.com/mOw8jDVx1D
— The Immortal (@TheImmortal007) August 31, 2025
In response, Majchrzak took steps to make amends. On Saturday, he posted Instagram stories showing him meeting Brock and another young fan, shaking hands and presenting them with gifts, including a replacement cap. “Today after warm up, I had a nice meeting,” he wrote, adding: “Do you recognise [the cap]?” He later posted a smiling photo with Brock, captioned: “Hello World, together with Brock we wish you a great day!”
The 29-year-old, currently ranked 76th in men’s singles, made headlines both on and off the court. Majchrzak staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Russian ninth seed Karen Khachanov in the second round but was forced to retire injured in his third-round match against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi due to a torn intercostal muscle.
The hat-snatching controversy continues to fuel debate over fan behavior and sportsmanship at major tennis events, while Majchrzak’s gesture has been widely praised.
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