Callum Jones
A company CEO who was caught on camera 'stealing' a player's cap from a child at the US Open has detailed the one 'painful lesson' he has learned.
While the tennis is meant to be the talking point at the prestigious tournament, that was certainly not the case after Polish tennis ace Kamil Majchrzak defeated Russia's Karen Khachanov in New York on August 28.
After making his way into the next round, Majchrzak spoke to his fans, signed autographs and took pictures with those in attendance. This often gives youngsters the opportunity to meet their heroes, but for one kid, this memorable moment was quite literally stolen from him.
Majchrzak handed the young fan a signed cap, only for the man next to him in the stands to snatch it off him instead.
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The footage, which was broadcast on live TV, saw the man stuffing the hat into a bag while the smiling child audibly protested the move.
The individual in question has since been identified as Piotr Szczerek, a Polish millionaire and CEO of paving company Drogbruk.
Szczerek has since spoken out and issued an apology, where he detailed the 'painful lesson' he is learning.
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He said in a translated statement: "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."
The CEO began his statement with: "Due to the situation that occurred during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to unequivocally apologize to the injured boy, his family, all the fans, and the player himself.
"I made a grave mistake. In the midst of emotion, amidst the crowd's celebration after my 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.
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"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."
Szczerek has issued a personal 'apology' to the child's family, and concluded his statement by saying he will 'be even more actively involved in initiatives supporting children' as he attempts to 'rebuild lost trust'.
"I apologize again to everyone I have disappointed," the translated statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Majchrzak wasn't blind to the situation, and he used the power of the internet to track down the young boy, which allowed him to meet up in person with him and gift him a goodie bag and new cap.