It was a fault heard around the world.
But instead of a missed serve on the court, this error occurred in the stands of the US Open on August 28 when Polish CEO Piotr Szczerek was seen seemingly snatching a hat signed by his fellow countryman and player Kamil Majchrzak from the hands of a young fan named Brock. Now, Piotr is sharing his desire to “unequivocally apologize.”
“I take full responsibility for my extremely poor judgment and hurtful actions,” he wrote Sept. 1 on Facebook. “It was never my intent to steal away a prized memento from the young fan. I became caught up in the heat of the moment and the joy of the victory, and I believed Majchrzak was handing a hat to me to give to my sons, who had previously asked for autographs.”
Piotr—who is CEO of paving company Drogbruk, per NBC News—noted that “regardless” of how he perceived the situation, his actions “hurt the young boy and disappointed the fans.” He also noted he’s sent the autographed back to the boy, apologized to him and his family and clarified that any other statements appearing online claiming to be from him are not.
“For years, my wife and I have been involved in supporting children and young athletes, but this incident has shown me that a moment of inattention can undo years of work and support,” he continued. “It is a painful but necessary lesson in humility.”
Which is why he’s making a promise. “Going forward,” Piotr wrote, “I will engage even more actively in initiatives that support children and youth, and I will take actions against violence and hate. I believe that only through actions can I rebuild the trust I have lost.”
He closed his statement with an additional apology to “everyone I let down.”
But Piotr isn’t the only one who tried to right the wrong. Two days after Kamil’s match—which saw the Polish player beat Russia’s Karen Khachanov in five sets—the 29-year-old made sure Brock received his keepsake.
As seen in a photo reshared to social media, on August 30 Kamil and Brock reunited within the grounds of the US Open. Kamil held a gift bag in one hand and Brock, pictured next to him, had one of Kamil’s hats on his head.
“Hello World,” Kamil wrote over the Instagram Story, “Together with Brock we wish you a great day!”
For more sightings at this year’s New York City Grand Slam, keep reading.
(E! News and NBC News are both part of NBCUniversal.)
Rainn Wilson, Mindy Kaling & B.J. Novak
Dunder Mifflin for life! The Office stars reunited to take a selfie as they watched the Men’s Singles Final on Sept. 7.
Cardi B
The rapper celebrated her performance at Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves’ US Open After Party with a side of Chicken Fingers at Chez Margaux in New York City.
Bowen Yang
Live from New York, it’s the US Open! The SNL star raised a spritz to celebrate the women’s semi-finals from the Aperol suite.
Logan Paul & Nina Agdal
The newlyweds enjoyed the match on Sept. 7 from Raising Cane’s owner and founder Todd Graves’ US Open Suite.
Amaya Espinal
The Love Island winner waved to fans as she arrived at the Cadillac Suite inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sept. 4.
Emma Roberts
The American Horror Story actress was sporting a Ralph Lauren ensemble as she arrived at the US Open on Sept. 4.
Jeremy Allen White & Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Yes, chef! The stars of The Bear cheered on the players inside Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sept. 4.
Dylan Efron
The new Dancing With the Stars cast member visited the Aperol Spritz suite at the US Open wearing the cable knit sweater from the cocktail’s new Tennis Collection.
Brooke Williamson & Bobby Flay
The Top Chef winner and Food Network star packed on the PDA while watching the women’s singles semifinals on Sept. 4.
Alexandra Daddario
The White Lotus alum looked fab on the US Open blue carpet on Sept. 4.
Orlando Bloom
The actor was in attendance to watch the women’s singles semi-final matches on Sept. 4.
Laverne Cox
The actress posed for pics inside the Cadillac Suite at the US Open on Sept. 1.
Owen Wilson & Ben Stiller
The Zoolander co-stars caught up while courtside at the tournament on Sept. 2.
Issa Rae
The Insecure creator and actress swung by the blue carpet during her visit to the US Open on Sept. 2.
Abbott Elementary cast
School’s out! Chris Perfetti, Tyler James Williams, Quinta Brunson, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Lisa Ann Walter enjoy a field trip to the US Open on Aug. 30.
Brooks Nader
The Love Thy Nader star is spotted inside the Cadillac Suite at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Aug. 31.
Lindsay Lohan & Bader Shammas
The Freakier Friday star and her husband enjoyed watching the tennis from inside the Cadillac Suite.
Simone Ashley
The Bridgerton actress looked cozy in Polo Ralph Lauren bear sweater as she arrived at the US Open on Sept. 1.
Skyler Gisondo
The Righteous Gemstones star kicked back with a can of Heineken 0.0 from the stands on Aug. 29.
Steve Carell
Cheese! The Office alum kindly posed for a selfie with fans during the Carlos Alcaraz vs. Luciano Darderi match on Aug. 29.
Jeremy Allen White
The Bear star cooked up a smart casual look as he attended the tennis tournament on Labor Day.
Elizabeth Banks
The Hunger Games actress brings her finest tennis Labubu to the tournament on Aug. 31.
Katie Holmes
The Dawson’s Creek alum posed for a pic before taking her seat inside the Cadillac Suite.
Ciara & kids
The singer brought along her kids Future and Sienna to watch the tennis action on Sept. 1.
Anna Wintour & Rami Malek
The Vogue boss and Bohemian Rhapsody actor watch a men’s singles match together on Sept. 1.
Queen Latifah
The actress and rapper was having a ball watching the gameplay on Aug. 28.
Simone Biles
The record-breaking Olympic gymnast was in the crowd to watch Coco Gauff win her second round match on Aug. 28, and proved to be inspirational for her fellow American.
Andrew Scott
The Irish actor looked sharp in a light green ensemble as he sat courtside on Aug. 28.
Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jasmine Cephas Jones
The Hamilton creator reunited with his co-star to watch the world’s best tennis players take their shot at the US Open.
Jonathan van Ness
The Queer Eye star and podcast host brought a pop of color to the US Open on Aug. 28.
