A video capturing Polish businessman Piotr Szczerek, CEO of the paving company Drogbruk, taking an autographed cap from a child during the 2025 US Open went viral, sparking global outrage. The incident occurred on Thursday, August 28, after Polish tennis player Kamil Majchrzak’s victory over Russian Karen Khachanov in a five-set match. Szczerek, a sponsor of the Polish Tennis Federation, took the cap that Majchrzak had given to a young fan named Brock and placed it in a bag, ignoring the boy’s protests. The footage, widely shared on social media, led to a wave of criticism and calls for a boycott of Szczerek’s company. After days of silence, the businessman issued an apology on September 1, claiming he acted by mistake, and confirmed the cap was returned to the child.
The incident gained traction rapidly, with users labeling Szczerek’s actions as “unacceptable” and “disrespectful.” The backlash was so intense that he deactivated his personal social media accounts and disabled comments on his company’s profiles. Meanwhile, Majchrzak took steps to rectify the situation, locating Brock via social media and gifting him a new autographed cap and additional items.
- Key incident details:
- Occurred after Majchrzak’s win at the US Open on August 28, 2025.
- Piotr Szczerek, Drogbruk CEO, took the cap from a young fan named Brock.
- The viral video triggered criticism and boycotts against Drogbruk.
- Majchrzak met the boy and gave him a new cap and gifts.
Social media fallout
The video’s spread on social media fueled the controversy. Posts on Instagram and other platforms garnered millions of views, with users worldwide condemning Szczerek’s behavior. Many called it selfish, especially given the emotional impact on a child. Drogbruk, founded by Szczerek and his wife Anna in 1999, faced a flood of negative reviews on platforms like Google Reviews and Trustpilot, with ratings dropping below 1.5 stars.
Fans also praised Majchrzak’s response, contrasting it with Szczerek’s actions. The hashtag #JusticeForBrock trended, with calls for the US Open to ban Szczerek from future events. While no official action from the tournament was reported, the public outcry highlighted the power of social media in amplifying such incidents.
- Online reactions:
- Thousands labeled Szczerek a “thief” and a “disgrace.”
- Drogbruk’s reputation took a hit with mass negative reviews.
- Fans lauded Majchrzak for his efforts to make amends.
Szczerek’s initial statement and controversy
Before his formal apology, Szczerek posted a statement that worsened the situation. On the Polish site Gowork.pl, he reportedly justified his actions, saying, “Life is first come, first served,” and called the cap “just an object.” He also threatened legal action against critics, a move seen as arrogant. The post, later deleted, drew backlash for its lack of empathy.
In his official apology on September 1, shared via Drogbruk’s Facebook and Instagram, Szczerek claimed he mistakenly thought the cap was meant for his children, who had sought autographs earlier. He denied the authenticity of the earlier statement and said neither he, his wife, nor his children commented publicly before the apology.
- Initial statement highlights:
- Szczerek defended his actions as impulsive.
- Threatened lawsuits against online critics.
- The post was removed after widespread criticism.
Kamil Majchrzak’s response
Kamil Majchrzak, a 29-year-old ranked 76th in the ATP, emerged as a positive figure in the saga. After learning the cap didn’t reach its intended recipient, he used Instagram to find Brock. Within an hour, he arranged a meeting on August 30, gifting the boy a new autographed cap, a bag of presents, and posing for photos, earning widespread praise.
In an interview with the New York Post, Majchrzak downplayed Szczerek’s actions, suggesting it was a misunderstanding driven by the heat of the moment. He noted Szczerek’s role as a Polish Tennis Federation sponsor, which may have led to the confusion. Majchrzak emphasized his focus was ensuring Brock had a positive experience.
- Majchrzak’s actions:
- Used social media to locate the young fan.
- Gave Brock a new cap and additional gifts.
- Called the incident a “misunderstanding.”
Piotr Szczerek and Drogbruk’s profile
Piotr Szczerek, 50, is a prominent figure in Poland as CEO of Drogbruk, a paving and landscaping company he co-founded with his wife, Anna, in 1999. The couple is active in sports, playing amateur tennis and sponsoring local events, including the Polish Tennis Federation. Szczerek competes in the second division of the Kalisz Tennis Association and has spoken about his passion for sports like running and triathlon.
Based in Błaszki, about 250 km from Warsaw, Drogbruk is a leader in Poland’s paving industry. However, the US Open incident damaged its reputation, with consumers threatening boycotts and leaving negative reviews, claiming Szczerek’s behavior reflects the company’s values.
- Szczerek and Drogbruk details:
- Founded the company in 1999, specializing in paving and fencing.
- Sponsor sports events and athletes in Poland.
- Face boycotts and criticism post-US Open incident.
Impact on the US Open and tennis
Though isolated, the incident sparked discussions about spectator conduct at sports events. The US Open, running from August 24 to September 7, 2025, is a global tennis highlight, drawing millions of viewers. Actions like Szczerek’s underscore the need for sportsmanship among fans, not just players.
The tournament organizers have not commented officially, but Majchrzak’s swift response mitigated some negative fallout. Brock’s story, turning from disappointment to a memorable moment with his idol, reinforced the sport’s positive image. The episode highlights how impulsive actions can have global repercussions in the digital age.
- Key takeaways:
- Importance of ethical behavior at sports events.
- Social media’s role in amplifying incidents.
- Athletes’ ability to turn negative situations into positive ones.