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Topics: US News, News, Sport, Social Media
Rhianna Benson
Amidst the chaos of this year's US Open, a tennis fan has been caught attempting to steal from a player.
Already so far, we've had a sore loser being branded racist after launching a tirade against a tournament victor across the court, as well as another female player breaking down in tears after her estranged ex-rocked up to the stands.
More recently, a millionaire CEO was called out after being spotted viciously snatching a young's fans cap that'd been signed by his favourite player in a controversy then went on to go viral.
As we say, however, a new scandal has hit headlines today (2 Sept) after a fan of Italian champion Jannik Sinner - winner of the 2025 Wimbledon Men's Singles Finals - was seen attempting to steal from the sportsman from the sidelines.
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In jaw-dropping footage which is currently doing the rounds on social media, the bold tennis fan can be seen in the stands of the New York City tournament, crowding the 24-year-old.
Minutes earlier, Sinner had secured himself a spot in the quarter-finals after beating Russia's Alexander Bublik.
As the athlete greeted the crowds, signed tennis balls and handed out towels for fans before heading to the locker room, he inadvertently moved past one fan, who seemingly tried his look at bagging something for himself.
The shocking footage shows Sinner stopping to lean into a selfie with another US Open attendee, whilst the sticky-fingered fan attempted to open the sportsman's rucksack using both hands.
The clip shows the fan unzipping the holder, before a security guard spots what's going on and immediately steps in.
The fan's hands are then swatted away before he recoils in embarrassment, around the same moment that Sinner seems to catch on to what has happened.
Visibly disappointed, the four-time Grand Slam champion then exited the court.
As we say, the latest update comes days after Polish paving company CEO Piotr Szczerek was tracked down by angry internet users after being caught on camera stealing a cap from a young fan named Brock.
In a video that sparked mass outcry over the weekend, Poland's Kamil Majchrzak signed the youngster's cap, which was swiftly taken by Szczerek before being stuffed into his bag.
After catching wind of the gut-wrenching move, the tennis player called upon his followers to track down Brock to make amends - though, it didn't take long for Szczerek to also be identified.
As a result, the businessman was forced to issue an apology, describing the atrocity as a 'huge mistake'.
"Due to the situation that happened during Kamil Majchrzak's match at the US Open, I would like to clearly apologise to the injured boy, his family, as well as all the fans and the player himself," a statement Szczerek wrote on social media read.
"I have made a huge mistake. In emotions, in the crowd rejoicing after the victory, I was convinced the tennis player tips his hat in my direction - to my sons who have asked for autographs earlier."
He continued: "For years, my wife and I have been engaged in helping children and young athletes, but this situation has shown I think that one moment of disregard can ruin years of work and support.
"It hurts for me, but a needed lesson in humility. I believe that only through actions can rebuild what has been lost trust. Again, I'm sorry to anyone I disappointed. Please understand - for my family's sake - I decided to turn off the option comments on this post."
Szczerek continued: "The misconception caused me to pull out my hand. Today I know I did something that looked like a deliberate collection of the child's souvenir. This was not my intention, but it doesn't change the fact I hurt the boy and disappointed the fans."