Tennis star praised for response to CEO being caught ‘stealing’ from child during US Open

It started as a kind gesture from a tennis star, but it soon turned into a game of tracking down the man who appeared to 'snatch' a hat from the hands of a young boy.

Kamil Majchrzak is ranked 26th in the world, and he had an incredible five-set defeat over Karen Khachanov on Thursday (28 August).

To celebrate, he headed over to the crowd at the US Open to sign tennis balls and to greet his fans, when a young boy, later revealed to be called Brock, asked for his hat.

In a viral video, the child was seen to be delighted when the tennis ace passed it over, only for a grown man next to him to be caught on camera appearing to 'steal' the hat from his hands.

The young boy burst into tears and could be seen pleading as he tried to retrieve the hat. Footage of the incident went viral on social media, with the man later being identified by Majchrzak as Piotr Szczerek.

Szczerek is the CEO of a Polish paving firm, Drogbruk, which also sponsors the Polish Tennis Federation.

He has issued a lengthy apology on Facebook, calling the whole situation a big 'mistake' as he apologised to 'the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself'.

Majchrzak told The New York Post that he believed there was 'some kind of confusion', adding: “Obviously it was some kind of confusion. I was pointing, giving the hat, but I had a lot going on after my match, after being super-tired and super-excited for the win.

"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.”

When he realised what had happened, the player shared a post on Instagram pleading for help to find the young boy.

He wrote: "After the match I didn't record that my cap didn't get to the boy." Thanks to Asics Tennis 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."

And soon enough, 'by the power of the internet', he was able to find him and give him a new hat.

He later shared a picture of himself and the boy, Brock, standing together, with the caption: "Hello world, together with Brock we wish you a great day."

Fans shared their relief and praise for the player going above and beyond to make sure things were put right.

"Thankfully, Kamil reached out on Instagram and he found him to give him his own hat," wrote one.

"Hey, the kid got his hat from Kamil Majchrzak. Cool!" added another.

"Boy got a new cap and met the tennis star. The dirtbag who took his hat has been identified and is getting obliterated online so good!," celebrated someone else.