MIAMI _ Stan Wawrinka's 32nd birthday did not go as he had planned.
The top seed at the Miami Open was knocked out 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 in the Round of 16 by 19-year-old German hot shot Alexander "Sascha" Zverev, a charismatic player who is quickly becoming a fan favorite around the world. Zverev had 10 wins over Top 20 players last year, including shock victories against Roger Federer and Wawrinka.
Monday night, Zverev needed to save match point and fight through three tiebreaks to beat John Isner. He came back strong against Wawrinka.
"I was maybe quarter of an inch away to being out of the tournament, so maybe I was a bit lucky," he said. "I had to use the opportunity. I knew I got a second chance in this tournament, so I'm really happy that I used it."
Wawrinka conceded it wasn't his day. Tournament organizers had a tropical "Stan the Man" birthday cake waiting for him after the match, but he wasn't in a party mood.
"It was really humid, not easy to play great tennis," he said. "One bad game to start the second set and then it was tough for me. I don't know. I completely went down physically and mentally, and also my tennis was completely out. I had no more gas."
Asked if he felt bad about spoiling his opponent's birthday, Zverev replied: "I'm sorry. I wanted to win as well. It's my brother's girlfriend's birthday, as well, so happy birthday to her."
Zverev plays the winner of Tuesday's late match between Nick Kyrgios and David Goffin.
