Rafael Nadal defeated the defending champion Roger Federer in a rematch of the previous year's final, 7–5, 6–7(3–7), 6–3 to win the singles tennis title at the 2008 Hamburg European Open.

[1][2][3] This was the last edition of the tournament played as an ATP Masters Series event, as it was downgraded to an ATP Tour 500 event for the 2009 season.

[4][5] The top eight seeds receive a bye into the second round.