A heartwarming tale of redemption emerged from the 2025 US Open after a viral “Hat Snatching” incident. Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak orchestrated a touching reunion with a young fan named Brock, whose innocent excitement was momentarily crushed by the unsportsmanlike actions of an adult. This incident, captured on video and shared widely, sparked outrage and ultimately highlighted the power of social media and the goodwill of athletes.
The Unfortunate Snatching
The drama unfolded following Majchrzak’s stunning second-round victory against No. 9 seed Karen Khachanov on Court 11 at Flushing Meadows, New York, according to reports from the Tennis Channel. Overjoyed by his five-set comeback win at the 2025 US Open, Majchrzak was signing autographs for fans when he attempted to gift his hat to young Brock. As reported by SPORTbible, before the boy could grasp the memento, an adult male intervened.
The Lynnwood Times identified the man as Piotr Szczerek, the CEO of Polish paving company Drogbruk and a sponsor of the Polish Tennis Association. In a moment caught on camera, Szczerek snatched the hat from Brock’s hands and placed it in his bag, seemingly unfazed by the boy’s distress. The Guardian noted that Majchrzak, caught up in the post-match excitement, was initially unaware of the incident.
Social Media Outrage and Majchrzak’s Response
The video of Szczerek’s actions quickly went viral, prompting widespread condemnation. Sky News reported the incident as a “disgusting” act, and the public outcry was immediate and intense. Majchrzak, alerted to the situation, took to social media to rectify the situation.
On Friday, Majchrzak posted a message appealing to his followers to help him locate the young fan. As quoted by TVP World, he wrote, “After the match, I didn’t realize that my cap didn’t get to the boy. Could you help me find the kid from my match? If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.” His efforts proved successful.
A “Power of the Internet” Reunion
Thanks to the swift response of the online community, Majchrzak successfully located Brock by Saturday. The Independent reported that the two met at Flushing Meadows, where Majchrzak presented Brock with a new signed hat and other merchandise. The young fan was visibly delighted by the gesture.
Majchrzak shared a video of their reunion, expressing his gratitude for the assistance he received. “I am impressed by the power of the Internet. We got it! All good now,” he wrote, as documented by multiple news outlets. The reunion served as a powerful counterpoint to the earlier act of selfishness.
Aftermath and Reflections on Sportsmanship
The repercussions of the incident extended beyond the immediate participants. Piotr Szczerek reportedly deactivated his social media accounts in response to the widespread criticism, according to Tennis Channel. Majchrzak revealed that Szczerek had contacted him, expressing a desire to apologize to Brock and his family. Majchrzak provided Szczerek with Brock’s mother’s contact information.
Majchrzak’s US Open Run Ends
Unfortunately, Majchrzak’s impressive run at the US Open came to an end the same day as his reunion with Brock. He was forced to retire in his third-round match against Leandro Riedi due to a torn intercostal muscle, as reported by SPORTbible. Despite the disappointing end to his tournament, his actions off the court left a lasting positive impression.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and the impact that athletes can have on their fans. While the initial act of hat snatching was regrettable, the story ultimately became one of redemption and kindness. Majchrzak’s quick action to rectify the situation and his genuine concern for young Brock showcased the best qualities of a professional athlete, turning a negative event into a positive and memorable experience for all involved.
