Defending champion Andy Murray into Brisbane International final against Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria plays a shot in his semi final match against Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard). (The Associated Press)

Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus reacts after playing a shot in his semi final match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria during the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane, Australia, Saturday, Jan 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Tertius Pickard). (The Associated Press)

Defending champion Andy Murray has advanced to the Brisbane International final after fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori retired during their semifinal Saturday.

Murray came back from a 4-1 deficit in the first set and was leading 6-4, 2-0 when his Japanese opponent retired with a left knee injury.

The reigning Olympic and U.S. Open champion will next play Grigor Dimitrov, who is starting to live up to his billing as a star in the making by reaching his first ATP Tour final with a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (5) over 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis.