Los Angeles, USA, 28 July 2012 | Tennis Australia

Victorian Marinko Matosevic has won through to the semifinals of the ATP Framers Classic in Los Angeles thanks to a straight sets defeat of American Michael Russell.

Sixth seed Matosevic controlled the match from beginning to end, eventually running out a 6-2 6-3 winner.

It is the second time Matosevic has reached the last four at an ATP-level event in 2012, the first being at Delray Beach where as a qualifier he made an exciting run through to the final.

He will next face Lithuanian qualifer Ricardas Berankis, who defeated No.4 seed Nicolas Mahut of France in straight sets.

Russell came into his quarterfinal against Matosevic full of confidence after having upended top seed Benoit Paire in the second round.

But the American was no match for the world No.81, who was statistically superior on both serve and return throughout the 90-minute encounter.