A US Open athlete has captured the admiration of fans worldwide following a significant update regarding an adult fan’s inappropriate conduct toward a child, which stirred controversy online.
Kamil Majchrzak, a 29-year-old Polish player, has been lauded across the internet after his remarkable victory against No.9 seed Karen Khachanov in a gripping five-set duel on Thursday (August 28).
After triumphing over the Russian with scores of 2-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(5), the former World No. 75 proceeded to the stands of Court 11, where he autographed photos and tennis balls for fans.
In a now-viral clip aired on live TV, Majchrzak was seen removing his Asics-branded hat and offering it to a young fan.
While engrossed in signing autographs for other children, the athlete did not notice an older US Open attendee attempting to seize the cap.
The man apparently snatched the headgear from the child and refused to return it, despite the boy’s clear protests.
The disturbing footage has circulated widely online, with many condemning the supposed ‘thief’ as a ‘bully’
One social media user criticized the man’s ‘disgusting’ action at the tennis Grand Slam, questioning how anyone could take a gift away from a child in such a manner.
Another wrote: “Shame on this guy.”
Someone else expressed: “Maturity doesn’t come with age, but the acts.”
Majchrzak, preparing to face qualifier Leandro Riedi today (August 30) for a place in the Round of 16, took to Instagram to provide a crucial update on the incident.
“After the match I didn’t get to record that my cap didn’t get to the boy,” he stated.
“Thanks to @asicstennis I’ve got enough caps so I’m prepared for that.”
Sharing four images of the child, he continued: “Hey Guys, could you help me find the Kid from my match @usopen @eurosportpl.
“If it’s you (or your parents see this), please send me a DM.”
Later, Majchrzak returned to social media to share good news – the boy had been located.
“I am impressed by the power of the Internet,” he expressed. “We got it! All good now,” he concluded, with a salute and thumbs up emoji.
Fans closely following the US Open narrative have shared their thoughts, with one stating: “Kamil Majchrzak won the hearts of fans around the world when he asked on Instagram for contact with the robbed boy to compensate him for his loss.
Others have hailed him as a ‘legend’ and described him as a ‘class act.’
“Credit to Kamil for not noting why the kid didn’t get the cap. Which I totally would have mentioned because sometimes pettiness is required,” quipped another fan.
Another comment read: “What a class gesture, absolute brilliance. You need people like this in the world.”
With the issue resolved, Majchrzak can now focus on his third-round Men’s Singles match, set to take place on Court 5 today (August 30).
Should the Pole defeat Riedi, 23, he will advance to round four, marking his best performance at the Grand Slam to date.