The millionaire businessman who snatched a US Open player’s hat from a young child has issued an apology.
Polish paving contractor CEO Piotr Szczerek was identified as the man caught taking his countryman Kamil Majchrzak’s match-worn cap last Thursday.
Majchrzak had just won the match of his life against No.9 seed Karen Khachanov, coming back from two sets down to pull off the extraordinary 2-6 6-7 (7-4) 6-4 7-5 7-6 (7-5) victory.
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After the match, the young boy was waiting patiently for an autograph on his giant tennis ball when Majchrzak generously offered the cap on his head instead.
But it was snatched away by the businessman, who was then seen tucking the hat into his wife’s bag as the heartbroken youngster protested.
Majchrzak came to the party later by meeting the boy and showering him with gifts while Polish fans were quick to name Szczerek.
Szczerek has now apologised, saying he had sent the cap back to the boy.
“I would like to unequivocally apologise to the young boy, his family, all the fans and the player himself,” Szczerek said.
“I made a grave 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 I deliberately took 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 is due to the family. I hope that I have at least partially repaired the harm.”
Szczerek also sought mercy by pointing to his track record of helping the Polish tennis community.
He vowed to “engage even more actively” in helping children and “take actions against violence and hate”.
“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,” he said.
“It hurts for me, but a needed lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust.
“Again, I’m sorry to anyone I disappointed. Please understand — for my family’s sake — I decided to turn off comments on this post.”
Meanwhile, Polish fans were devastated when Majchrzak’s US Open campaign came to an end soon after he met with the boy.
He lasted just eight games in his third-round match against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi.
“Hi everyone, a quick update: I have teared (sic) intercostal muscle and I was forced to retire today,” he wrote.
“Playing at US Open requires the best from us tennis players, and today I just haven’t been able to compete. I tried but the pain was too big.
“Thanks for all your support through all the days and all the kind messages.”
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