STANFORD (AFP) - American Lindsay Davenport has pulled out of the WTA Bank of the West Classic, complaining of a sore right knee.

A three-time winner of the event, Davenport will be replaced in the draw by Australian Samantha Stosur.

"The Bank of the West Classic has been one of my favourite tournaments to play throughout my career," Davenport said.

"Not being able to compete is very disappointing as I've been looking forward to playing here all year.

"Unfortunately my (right) knee has not healed sufficiently since Wimbledon to allow me to compete. I know the fans will still get to enjoy some great tennis and I hope to be back on the courts soon."

Davenport was scheduled to play eighth-seeded Francesca Schiavone in a first-round match on Tuesday evening and was looking to return to action for the first time since pulling out of her second-round match at Wimbledon.

Davenport won the Bank of the West Classic in 1998, 1999 and 2004.

While Davenport is gone, eight-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams is in the field and will take the court Wednesday for her opening match.

Williams will meet the winner of Tuesday's Gisela Dulko-Michelle Larcher de Brito match.

On Monday, Japan's Ai Sugiyama, Alisa Kleybanova and Sybille Bammer advanced.