Millionaire CEO who stole cap from child at US Open issues grovelling apology after backlash to viral clip

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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 with fans.

Majchrzak, who is ranked 76th in the world, pulled off the biggest win of his career, 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 asked for his cap.

Obliging, Majchrzak handed it him without looking and in swooped Szczerek, swiping the hat from the child. Footage of the incident has gone viral and the magnate has been forced to admit that he made a 'huge mistake', reports The Mirror.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Fortunately for the young tennis fan, he was reunited with Majchrzak in New York, where along with another boy, he was presented with gifts, including a cap similar to the one snatched from him in the viral clip.

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