The 32-year-old American, who was to play in her first event since defaulting from her semifinal match against Maria Sharapova at Amelia Island in April, won the Eastbourne title in 2001, and Wimbledon in 1999.
"I am very disappointed to be unable to compete here but I unfortunately injured my right knee in practice over the weekend and was unable to recover in time for today's match,'' Davenport said in a statement released by Eastbourne organizers. "I look forward to it getting better and resting and, of course, being able to play next week at Wimbledon.''
Davenport, who has three Grand Slam singles titles, returned to the WTA Tour in August last year after an 11-month absence to have a baby. She has played only seven tournaments this year, winning titles at Auckland in January and Memphis in March.
Although she has had surgery on the same knee, Davenport said the current problem is unrelated.
"Fortunately the pain isn't in the spot where my previous injury was. I'm confident I can play (at Wimbledon) because I really want to, and I'm going to hope that a couple of days rest will calm it down.''
Davenport will also compete at the Beijing Olympics.
"I'm definitely going for singles, which I'm thrilled about,'' said Davenport, who won gold in the event at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
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