It was supposed to be a magical moment for a young tennis fan at the US Open, but what unfolded courtside after Kamil Majchrzak’s career-defining win on August 28, 2025, quickly became one of the most talked-about—and debated—incidents of the tournament. As the Polish tennis star basked in the glow of his epic five-set victory over No. 9 seed Karen Khachanov, a shocking act by a grown spectator threatened to overshadow the triumph. The viral footage of the event has ignited outrage across the tennis world, prompting a swift and touching response from Majchrzak himself.
Let’s set the scene: Majchrzak, fresh off the biggest win of his professional career, was making his way along the stands at Court 11, signing autographs and sharing his joy with fans. The 29-year-old, who had just matched his best-ever US Open performance by advancing to the third round, seemed eager to give back to the supporters who had cheered him on through nearly four hours of grueling tennis. Among the eager crowd was a young boy, hand outstretched, hoping for a memento from his new hero.
What happened next was all caught on camera, and it’s the kind of moment that can make or break someone’s faith in sportsmanship. As Majchrzak removed his match-worn cap, ready to hand it over to the boy, a grown man standing nearby swooped in, snatching the hat away before the youngster could even touch it. Without missing a beat, the man stuffed the prized souvenir into his wife’s purse, ignoring the stunned and crestfallen child beside him. The man then had the audacity to thrust a water bottle at Majchrzak for another autograph, as if nothing untoward had happened.
The young fan’s disappointment was palpable, and those around him—children and adults alike—looked on in disbelief. One witness reportedly shouted, “What are you doing?” as the reality of the moment sank in. The incident quickly became the talk of social media, with fans and commentators alike labeling the man a "jerk," a "terrible man," and far less printable things. Several users suggested he be barred from future matches, while others circulated his image online in hopes of holding him accountable. As one fan put it: “Horrible shame on that guy stealing from a child.”
At the time, Majchrzak was unaware of the commotion. The chaos of post-match celebrations, the crush of supporters, and the adrenaline of victory kept him blissfully ignorant—at least until the next day. On August 29, the tennis pro took to Instagram to address the growing controversy. "After the match I didn’t record that my cap didn’t get to the boy," Majchrzak wrote, posting screenshots of the incident and the heartbroken young fan. He continued, "Thanks to @asicstennis I’ve got enough caps, so I’m prepared for that. Hey guys, could you help me find the kid from my match? If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM."
The power of the internet was swift and decisive. Within just one hour, Majchrzak was able to announce that the boy and his family had been found. "I am impressed by the power of the internet," he posted. "We got it! It’s all good now." The tennis star’s gracious response and determination to make things right drew praise from all corners of the tennis world. Many lauded his class and kindness, noting that his actions helped turn an ugly moment into a story of redemption.
The identity of the man who took the hat quickly became a subject of speculation. Some internet sleuths claimed he was a wealthy CEO of a private paving stone company in Poland, pointing to his social media accounts, which were soon locked down amid the backlash. Whether or not those details are confirmed, the court of public opinion has already rendered its verdict.
Meanwhile, Majchrzak’s focus hasn’t wavered. The Polish star, currently ranked No. 88 in the world, is set to face Leandro Riedi in the third round on Saturday, August 30. This marks a notable resurgence for Majchrzak, who missed the US Open’s main draw the past two years but now finds himself matching his best-ever run from 2019. His victory over Khachanov—a Canadian Open finalist and former Wimbledon runner-up—was widely hailed as a stunning upset and a testament to Majchrzak’s perseverance and talent. Earlier in the season, he reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, another career milestone.
For the young fan at the center of this story, the ending appears to be a happy one. Thanks to Majchrzak’s quick action and the collective effort of the tennis community online, he’ll receive a signed cap after all—a gesture that may mean even more now, given the drama that preceded it. The episode serves as a reminder of both the best and worst of sports fandom: the greed and entitlement of a few, but also the generosity and decency that can prevail when athletes and fans rally together.
As for the US Open, the incident has sparked broader conversations about fan behavior and the spirit of the game. Should tournament officials do more to prevent such incidents? Is there a need for stricter crowd control or clearer guidelines about autograph sessions? These are questions that may linger long after the final ball is struck in Flushing Meadows this year.
Still, for Kamil Majchrzak, the focus is back where it belongs—on the court and on the fans who make the sport so special. His message, both on social media and through his actions, is clear: "We got it! It’s all good now." And as he prepares for his next match, Majchrzak carries not only the hopes of Polish tennis but also the gratitude of a young fan who, despite a moment of disappointment, will remember this US Open for all the right reasons.
