It was supposed to be a moment of celebration; a rising tennis star, Kamil Majchrzak, had just clinched the biggest win of his career at the US Open. But in the post-match euphoria, a shocking scene took place that gripped the internet and sparked global backlash.
Caught on camera in front of an excited crowd on Court 11, a man was seen snatching a signed cap from the hands of a young boy, a cap clearly intended as a gift from Majchrzak. The video went viral. Within hours, the internet had identified the person, Piotr Szczerek, a millionaire paving tycoon from Poland.
Szczerek, CEO of the successful landscape and concrete firm Drogbruk, was called out on the internet. The optics were damning, a wealthy adult seizing a cherished souvenir from a child, then casually placing it into his wife’s bag as the boy looked on, bewildered and empty-handed.
Under mounting pressure, Szczerek broke his silence, issuing a public apology on Monday. “I made a huge mistake,” he admitted. “I was convinced the tennis player was passing his hat in my direction for my sons, who had asked for autographs earlier. It hurts for me, but it’s a needed lesson in humility.”
The luxurious life of Piotr Szczerek
While the incident may have introduced Szczerek to the world, he was already a well-known figure in Polish business and sports circles. The entrepreneur lives with his wife, Anna, and their two sons in a sprawling villa in a village dubbed “the village of millionaires.”
The estate has a private lake, manicured lawns, and a professional-grade tennis court, where the couple frequently hosts friends and even professional players.
As reported by Daily Mail, the home is worth over 2 million zloty (£406,000), about ten times the national average home value in Poland. Just 40 miles away is their private tennis club, Calisia Tenis Pro, which they co-own and actively support.
Both Piotr and Anna are passionate amateur players, with Piotr having climbed to the second division of the local tennis league.
Their business, Drogbruk, sponsors the Polish Tennis Association and has invested in youth sports development across the region.
In a 2021 interview, Szczerek shared how tennis and triathlons became outlets for personal growth and business discipline: “Now I’m thinking about completing an Ironman… that will be the pinnacle of my passion,” as told to Daily Mail.
Their love for tennis has even led to friendships with some of Poland’s biggest names in the sport, including Urszula Radwańska, the younger sister of Wimbledon finalist Agnieszka Radwańska.
She once made a surprise appearance at Anna’s birthday, invited by their employees and coordinated by Piotr, sparking a friendship that continues to this day.
Szczerek to increase charity efforts
Szczerek has promised to double down on his charitable efforts, particularly those supporting children and young athletes. “This situation has shown me that a single moment of indifference can destroy years of work and support,” he said to Daily Mail. “I will be even more actively involved in initiatives that support children and adolescents.”
Despite his apology, the public response has been severe. Polish politicians have weighed in, with MP Anita Kucharska-Dziedzic remarking sarcastically, “Polish entrepreneurs will be making up for image losses for years,” he told Daily Mail.
But Kamil Majchrzak, the player at the center of the incident, has called for forgiveness. In a statement, he described the incident as an emotional misunderstanding: “I think he was also acting in the moment… when he realized what happened, it was already too late.”
In a heartening turn, Majchrzak used social media to locate the young fan, identified as Brock, and promised to send him a replacement hat. “We got it! All good now,” he wrote on Instagram, thanking the public for helping reunite the boy with the keepsake he deserved.