Sometimes, sports deliver moments that transcend the boundaries of the court, and this year’s US Open provided just that—a story of disappointment, outrage, and ultimately, redemption. Polish tennis star Kamil Majchrzak, fresh off a headline-grabbing upset over ninth seed Karen Khachanov, unwittingly found himself at the heart of a viral controversy after a post-match gesture went awry. The incident, which unfolded on August 28, 2025, sent shockwaves through the tennis world and sparked a passionate online response, culminating in a heartwarming reunion between Majchrzak and a young fan named Brock.
It all began in the electric aftermath of Majchrzak’s grueling five-set victory on Court 11. As he basked in the glow of his triumph, Majchrzak moved to the edge of the stands, eager to share the moment with fans. In a gesture that’s become a cherished tradition, he reached out to hand his autographed cap to a young boy, later identified as Brock. But what should have been a memory for a lifetime took a shocking turn—an adult man standing next to Brock snatched the cap away and stuffed it into a bag, leaving the boy visibly distraught. Cameras caught every second, and the footage quickly made its rounds on social media platforms, igniting a firestorm of criticism and disbelief.
“Obviously it was some kind of confusion,” Majchrzak reflected, speaking to The Post two days after the incident. The tennis pro admitted he was “super tired and super excited for the win” and didn’t notice the theft in real time. “I just missed it. I had like a dead look if you know what I mean. I’m sure the guy was also acting in the moment of heat, in the moment of emotions.”
Internet detectives wasted no time in identifying the culprit: Piotr Szczerek, CEO of the Polish paving company Drogbruk. Szczerek, himself an amateur competitive tennis player and a sponsor of the Polish tennis federation, was caught red-handed on the broadcast. He was seen placing the prized hat into his wife’s bag as the devastated Brock protested. The backlash was immediate and severe. Szczerek’s social media accounts vanished as he became the target of harsh criticism, not just from international viewers but especially from his fellow Poles. On job search sites, users lambasted him as a “common thief,” a “primitive scammer,” and “shameful jerk.” One particularly scathing comment read, “Only an ordinary idiot and a jerk could snatch a hat from a child’s hands.” Another added, “If the company’s president so unscrupulously stole a child’s hat, if I were a customer, I would no longer use his services.”
The incident quickly overshadowed Majchrzak’s on-court heroics. Not content to let the situation fester, Majchrzak took to social media with a plea: “After the match, I didn’t record that my cap didn’t get to the boy ... Could you help me find the kid from my match?” The power of the internet soon delivered. Within hours, the tennis star managed to track down Brock and his family, setting the stage for a much-needed happy ending.
On August 30, the two finally met in person at the US Open. Majchrzak posted a video of their reunion, which captured a smiling Brock receiving not just a replacement cap, but a whole bag of tennis swag. The young fan, beaming from ear to ear, placed the blue cap on his head and proudly showed it off to his mother. Majchrzak snapped photos, signed more memorabilia, and even shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Hello World, Together with Brock we wish you a great day!”
The tennis community and fans alike breathed a collective sigh of relief. What began as a sour note had become a testament to the good that can come from collective action and empathy. According to Majchrzak, Szczerek also attempted to make amends. “He also wanted to make things right, so I gave him the credentials for Brock’s mom on the same social media I was using to contact her,” Majchrzak explained. “So, maybe he can make things right himself.”
Szczerek, for his part, has kept a low profile since the incident. Emails sent to his company reportedly went unanswered, and his social media presence remains nonexistent. His wife, Anna, revealed in an earlier interview that the couple’s private tennis court in Kalisz, Poland, was a birthday gift and that they often play competitive doubles together. Drogbruk, the company they co-founded in 1999, has been a major supporter of local sports programs and Polish tennis players, including Piotr Matuszewski. But this episode has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Szczerek’s reputation, at least for now.
Meanwhile, Majchrzak’s US Open journey was bittersweet. After the emotional reunion with Brock on Saturday, the Polish star took to the court for his third-round match against Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi. Despite leading 5-3, Majchrzak was forced to retire due to injury, bringing his impressive run to an abrupt end. Still, his sportsmanship and quick action off the court won him new admirers far beyond the tennis community.
“Today after warm up I had a nice meeting,” Majchrzak wrote on Instagram, referencing his time with Brock. “Do you recognize?” he teased, adding a hat emoji—a playful nod to the saga that had captivated so many. The images of Majchrzak and Brock, side by side and smiling, quickly went viral, spreading a message of hope and kindness in the sometimes cutthroat world of professional sports.
As the dust settles, the story serves as a powerful reminder: moments of disappointment can be transformed by compassion, and the spirit of sportsmanship extends well beyond the lines of the court. For Brock, what started as a heartbreaking experience ended with a new cap, a bag full of keepsakes, and a memory he’ll cherish for years. For Majchrzak, the episode was a chance to show the world the true heart of a champion—one who fights for his fans as fiercely as he does for every point.
With the US Open continuing and new stories unfolding each day, this incident stands out as a testament to the enduring bonds between athletes and their supporters. And for anyone who witnessed the saga, one thing’s for sure: sometimes, the biggest wins come not from trophies or titles, but from doing what’s right when it matters most.
