Nick Kyrgios, tennis bad-boy, knocks off Novak Djokovic in first-ever meeting

Nick Kyrgios was at his best in a surprise 7-6 (11-9), 7-5 win over the top-seeded Novak Djokovic in a tennis event in Acapulco, Mexico on Thursday

An inspired Nick Kyrgios stunned Novak Djokovic in the Abierto Mexicano Telcel quarterfinals, while Rafael Nadal reached the last four.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios (right) speaks to Serbia's Novak Djokovic after winning his match during the fourth day of the Mexican Open, in Acapulco, Guerrero State, Mexico, on Thursday. (AFP)

So often unpredictable, Nick Kyrgios was at his best in a surprise 7-6 (11-9), 7-5 win over the top-seeded Djokovic in Acapulco on Thursday. The Australian served exceptionally well, sending down 25 aces and facing just one break point to advance in one hour, 47 minutes.

Nick Kyrgios in action against Serbia's Novak Djokovic. (REUTERS)

It was the first meeting between the pair, and Kyrgios was almost unstoppable on serve.

Nick Kyrgios, 21, advanced to a semifinal clash against Sam Querrey, who upset No. 4 seed Dominic Thiem 6-1, 7-5, ending the Austrian’s seven-match winning streak.

Novak Djokovic greets the crowd as he leaves the court after losing against Australia's Nick Kyrgios in Acapulco on Thursday. (AP)

On the other side of the draw, Nadal continued his good record at the ATP 500 event.

The Spanish star and 14-time grand slam champion was below his best but still had enough to get past qualifier Yoshihito Nishioka 7-6 (7-2), 6-3.

A two-time champion at the tournament, Nadal holds a 13-0 win-loss record in Acapulco.

Awaiting him in the last four is Marin Cilic, who advanced after Steve Johnson withdrew due to an ankle injury.