Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber crashed out of the Miami Open in the first round as she was beaten by Sloane Stephens.
Stephens, the 2018 Miami champion, marked her 31st birthday in some style, sweeping aside Kerber 6-2 6-3 in just over an hour to set up a second-round match with Sorana Cirstea.
“A very great day at the office,” Stephens said in her post-match interview.
“I feel like I had the biggest party ever, and you guys all came out.”
It was a convincing showing by Stephens, ranked world No. 41, particularly in the opening set where her forehand was proving a very useful tool.
The American took control with another break of serve and saw the match out in just 70 minutes.
Stephens, who has now won six of the eight matches between the pair, paid tribute to her opponent after the match.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2024/03/20/3933696-79906688-2560-1440.jpg)
Sloane Stephens of the United States and Angelique Kerber of Germany shake hands at the net after their first round match on Day 5 of the Miami Open.
Image credit: Getty Images
“[Kerber was] one of the first people I ever played on tour,” said Stephens.
“I was up 6-2 5-2 and I ended up losing the match. It was the hardest match I’d ever lost. After that, I just got it into my head to play her.
“Obviously she’s such a great champion and she’s had so many great results and a career people can only dream of, so to be able to play well against her is incredible.”
Elsewhere, Zhu Lin got the better of the world No. 39 Marie Bouzkova 6-2 6-4, while Danielle Collins overcame American compatriot Bernarda Pera 3-6 6-1 6-1.
Naomi Osaka is in action later on Wednesday when she takes on Elisabetta Cocciaretto.