MIAMI — Sloane Stephens celebrated her 31st birthday on Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-3 win over former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber, and revealed afterward that the festivities began Tuesday night with a seafood pajama party with family and friends.

“It was really fun, everyone dressed up in their favorite PJs, I wore a very old-school two-piece Juicy Couture pajama set, remember that was the thing?” Stephens said, smiling. “Everyone was there, my aunts, all my friends, it was very nice and fun. Low-key, obviously, because I had to play (Wednesday).”

Spending her birthday at this tournament has become a tradition for Stephens, who won the event in 2018.

“My birthday is always during the Miami Open, I don’t know how many times I’ve actually played on my birthday,” she said.

After the match at her on-court interview she said: “A very great day at the office. I feel like I had the biggest party ever, and you guys all came out.”

Stephens advanced to the second round, where she will face Sorana Cirstea.

Playing in Miami always makes Stephens nostalgic. She is making her 12th main draw appearance in the tournament, and 15th overall.

“I’ve been coming to the Miami Open since I was 12 or 13 years old, so it’s been incredible to have been a fan running around the grounds and seeing all these players, and then to be able to play and win here,” she said.

“I experienced Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, and now here [Hard Rock Stadium]. It’s really incredible to be able to play in front of South Florida fans and to play at home, stay at home. Playing in front of friends and family has always been really special for me.”

Stephens is ranked No. 41 in the world and has an 8-7 record so far this season. She was ranked as high as No. 3, has won $18.2 million and won the 2017 U.S. Open.

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