MIAMI, March 21 ― Sloane Stephens celebrated her birthday in style as she beat Germany's Angelique Kerber 6-2 6-3 yesterday in a one-sided battle between former Grand Slam champions to reach the second round of the Miami Open.

Stephens, a 31-year-old Florida native and the 2018 Miami Open champion, converted four of her eight break point chances against Kerber and dropped serve once in the 70-minute match.