Millionaire CEO who stole cap from child at US Open issues grovelling apology

The millionaire CEO who snatched a cap from the hands of a young tennis fan at the US Open has issued a grovelling apology, having received a wave of backlash. Piotr Szczerek, the head of a Polish paving company, was caught taking Kamil Majchrzak's hat after the Polish star went to the crowd and celebrated his epic five-set win with fans.

Majchrzak, who's ranked 76th in the world, pulled off the biggest victory of his career on Thursday, beating Karen Khachanov in the second round at Flushing Meadows. The 29-year-old went to the crowd and began signing tennis balls before a young boy, named Brock, asked for his cap.

Obliging, Majchrzak handed it him without looking and in Szczerek, swiping the hat from the child before putting it in a bag. Footage of the incident has gone viral and the magnate has been forced to admit that he made 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," Szczerek explained in a statement posted on Facebook.

"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.

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"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."

Szczerek added: "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."

Fortunately for Brock, he was reunited with Majchrzak the next day. The youngster took photos with the Pole and was seen wearing a similar hate to the one which had been taken by Szczerek.

"Today after warm up, I had a nice meeting," Majchrzak wrote on Instagram, adding: "Do you recognise [the cap]?"

In a separate post, he said: "Hello World, together with Brock we wish you a great day!"

Unfortunately for Majchrzak, he was forced to retire during his third-round match against Switzerland's Leandro Riedi on Saturday due to a torn intercostal muscle.