4 January 2017 | AAP

Australian wildcard Jordan Thompson has pulled off the biggest win of his blossoming tennis career with a thrilling upset of eighth seed David Ferrer at the Brisbane International.

Thompson, the world No.79, fought back from a set down to defeat Ferrer 4-6 7-5 7-5 at Pat Rafter Arena after two hours and 38 minutes on Wednesday evening.

With Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt cheering on in his box, the Sydney 22-year-old scrapped superbly from the baseline in the second round clash against the Spanish veteran.

Thompson gave up a break in both the second and third sets to the former world No.3 and French Open finalist before holding his nerve to break him back for both.

With the parochial centre court fans on the edge of their seats, the Rio Olympian finally took the win with his fifth match point thanks to a marathon rally where he showed fantastic composure against one of the most consistent players on the tour.

It even prompted Canadian glamour girl and Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard to tweet: “sick match point.”

Thompson will now play his first ATP quarterfinal against world No.5 Kei Nishikori who also had to come from behind to beat American qualifier Jared Donaldson in three sets on Wednesday.