The US Open recently gained attention not for an exciting rally but for a contentious moment with a fan and a young boy. The viral video created outrage on the internet, and fans demanded a public apology from the man involved in the incident.

Viral US Open Hat Snatch Sparks Backlash

Viral US Open Hat Snatching Incident Viral US Open Hat Snatching Incident
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During Poland's Kamil Majchrzak's second-round win against Karen Khachanov, the tennis star tried to pass his cap to a kid holding a giant tennis ball. Just as the boy was about to take the cap, Polish executive Piotr Szczerek swooped in and gave the cap to a woman standing next to him, over the visible protest of the child.

According to CNN, the scene was captured on camera, and it went viral on social media. It immediately elicited widespread outrage for what many perceived to be inconsiderate behavior.

Businessman Apologizes for 'Huge Mistake'

Coming under increasing criticism, Szczerek publicly apologized on Facebook, admitting he made a "huge mistake." He said that he thought Majchrzak was giving him the cap for his sons, who had been asking for autographs previously.

"That mistaken belief made me reach out instinctively. Today I know I did something that looked like deliberately taking a souvenir from a child. That was not my intention, but it does not change the fact that I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans."

He corroborated that the cap was subsequently donated to the boy and added that he had personally offered his apologies to the family. "This is a painful but necessary lesson in humility for me," he went on.

Reputation at Stake

According to Tenis Magazyn, Szczerek, who co-founded Drogbruk with his wife Anna in 1999, said that his years of helping young sportsmen were clouded by one moment of carelessness. He stressed that his efforts aimed at re-establishing trust through good deeds. He apologized to everyone he had let down.

Tennis Star Makes Things Right

Meanwhile, Majchrzak ensured the young fan received the recognition he deserved. Days after the incident, he met the boy personally, gifting him a US Open-branded bag filled with memorabilia, including another cap. He shared photos on Instagram, writing, "Hello world, together with Brock, we wish you a great day."

Fellow Players Weigh In

The situation also prompted players to discuss the difficulty of distributing souvenirs equally. World No. 1 Iga Świątek said it can be tough when multiple people approach simultaneously. She said that she tries to be impartial about a similar situation, but clearly, not everyone is going to be pleased.