Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek Apologizes for Snatching Signed Hat from Child at U.S. Open
In a viral moment that drew widespread outrage, Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek has issued a public apology after being caught on camera snatching a signed tennis hat from a young boy at the U.S. Open. The incident, which unfolded during a match on August 29, 2025, involved Szczerek grabbing the hat intended for the child from Polish player Kamil Majchrzak, sparking a global backlash that led to review-bombing of his company and calls for accountability. Szczerek, the founder and CEO of paving company Drogbruk, posted a lengthy statement on September 1, taking full responsibility and claiming he returned the hat to the boy. As the controversy continues to ripple through social media and tennis circles, this event highlights the intense scrutiny faced by public figures in the age of instant virality.
The Incident: A Viral Moment at the U.S. Open
What Happened on Court 11
The drama occurred after Majchrzak’s thrilling five-set upset victory over ninth-seeded Karen Khachanov on August 29, 2025, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York. As the 29-year-old Polish player signed autographs from the stands, he removed his cap—clearly intending to give it to a young boy named Brock positioned nearby. Before the child could receive it, Szczerek, standing adjacent, reached out and snatched the hat, handing it to his wife, Anna, who quickly placed it in her bag. The boy protested, yelling, “What are you doing?” as Majchrzak, unaware of the snatch, continued interacting with fans.
Video footage of the moment spread rapidly on social media, amassing millions of views within hours. Majchrzak later confirmed Szczerek’s identity to the New York Post, noting that the CEO sponsors the Polish Tennis Federation. He described it as “some kind of confusion,” adding that Szczerek was likely “acting in the moment of emotions” after the match. The player, oblivious at first, only learned of the incident the next day and subsequently met Brock to gift him a new signed hat and other memorabilia, posting about it on Instagram to spread positivity.
Initial Non-Apology and Escalating Backlash
Szczerek initially remained silent, but fake statements attributed to him and his wife surfaced online, including one defending the act as “first-come, first-served” and threatening legal action against critics. These were later debunked as impersonations on forums like GoWork.pl, where users could post under false names. The CEO deactivated his personal social media accounts amid the storm, while Drogbruk’s pages were flooded with negative reviews, dropping ratings to 1-star on platforms like Yelp and Trustpilot. Comments ranged from “Nothing is more disgusting than a child bully” to vows to boycott the company, highlighting the swift reputational damage.
Background: Who Is Piotr Szczerek?
From Entrepreneur to Tennis Enthusiast
Piotr Szczerek, 55, co-founded Drogbruk in 1999 with his wife Anna in Błaszki, Poland, transforming it into a leading paving and landscaping firm with a focus on sustainable materials. The company sponsors local sports, including youth tennis programs and the Polish Tennis Federation, and has supported events like tournaments featuring retired star Urszula Radwańska. Szczerek, an amateur tennis player in Poland’s second division, and his wife built a private court at their Kalisz home, where Anna introduced him to the sport as a “wonderful gift.” The couple has been involved in community initiatives for children and athletes for years, which Szczerek later referenced in his apology to underscore the irony of the incident.
Drogbruk has limited comments on its Facebook and Instagram amid the backlash, but the event has spotlighted the company’s sports sponsorships, with some questioning their future ties to tennis bodies.
Key Details and Verified Facts
The incident took place during Majchrzak’s second-round match on Court 11 at the 2025 U.S. Open. Szczerek’s apology, posted on Drogbruk’s official social media on September 1, was written in Polish and English. He claimed: “I was convinced that the tennis player was passing the cap to me—for my sons who had previously asked for autographs,” and admitted it was a “grave mistake” due to “poor judgment.” Szczerek stated he personally apologized to Brock’s family and returned the hat, denying any prior statements or legal threats as fabrications.
Majchrzak, ranked 76th, advanced in the tournament but emphasized moving on: “We fixed it, everybody’s happy now.” The U.S. Open continues through September 8, with no further involvement from Szczerek reported.
Expert Opinions and Public Reactions
Sports ethicists and PR experts have weighed in on the fallout. A University of Warsaw communications professor called it a “textbook case of viral crisis management failure,” noting the delay in response amplified damage. Tennis analyst Pam Shriver praised Majchrzak’s handling: “Class act by the player—turning negativity into a positive fan moment.”
Public reactions remain polarized but largely condemnatory. On X (formerly Twitter), #USHatSnatch trended with over 500,000 posts, including memes branding Szczerek a “child bully” and calls for boycotts. Reddit’s r/europe thread garnered 4,600 upvotes, debating the apology’s sincerity: “Convenient after days of silence—PR damage control?” Supporters of Szczerek argued it was a “heat-of-the-moment” error, but most viewed it as entitled behavior. Drogbruk’s review sites saw a surge in 1-star ratings, with users vowing to switch suppliers.
Impact on U.S. Readers: Sports Culture, Business Ethics, and Social Media Power
Sports and Fan Experience
For U.S. tennis fans, this incident underscores the sanctity of player-fan interactions at events like the U.S. Open, where memorabilia moments create lifelong memories. It echoes past controversies, like Yulia Putintseva’s ball girl outburst, highlighting expectations of sportsmanship extending to spectators. Majchrzak’s response boosted his popularity, potentially influencing young fans’ engagement with the sport amid growing U.S. interest in international players.
Economic and Business Ties
Szczerek’s case serves as a cautionary tale for executives attending global events—reputational harm can spill over to business, with Drogbruk facing potential lost sponsorships and customers. For American readers, it ties into broader discussions on corporate social responsibility, similar to U.S. CEO scandals like the Coldplay “kiss cam” incident. The review-bombing phenomenon raises questions about online vigilantism versus accountability.
Lifestyle and Cultural Relevance
The event amplifies themes of entitlement versus humility in affluent circles, resonating with U.S. audiences amid wealth inequality debates. Social media’s role in swift justice—identifying Szczerek within hours—empowers bystanders but risks misinformation, as seen with fake statements. Politically neutral, it promotes family values, with Szczerek pledging more youth support to rebuild trust.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Humility from the Stands
Piotr Szczerek’s apology for snatching the hat from young Brock at the U.S. Open marks a belated attempt at redemption after a viral blunder that tarnished his and Drogbruk’s image. While Majchrzak’s gracious intervention provided closure for the child, the incident exposes the perils of impulsive actions in public view. As Szczerek vows deeper involvement in youth initiatives, the episode serves as a stark reminder of social media’s amplifying power and the enduring value of empathy in sports. For tennis enthusiasts and business watchers alike, it’s a story of fallout and forgiveness—proving that even a “grave mistake” can spark positive change if met with accountability. The U.S. Open rolls on, but this courtside controversy will linger as a cautionary tale.