It was the 19th edition of the Nottingham Open, and was part of the International Series of the 2008 ATP Tour.

16, Rome Masters semifinalist and San Jose finalist Radek Štěpánek, Munich semifinalist Paul-Henri Mathieu, and Hamburg Masters quarterfinalist Fernando Verdasco.

Among other players competing were Queen's Club quarterfinalist and Nottingham defending champion Ivo Karlović, Casablanca titlist Gilles Simon, Dmitry Tursunov, Andreas Seppi and Gaël Monfils.

Russian sixth seed Dmitry Tursunov was expelled from the tournament by the ATP after he stormed off the court in his doubles' first round match, dismayed at a decision from the line judge, as Simone Bolelli and Andreas Seppi led him and partner Chris Haggard 6–4, 3–1.

While Tursunov was expected to receive a fine, the ATP decided to deliver a more severe punishment, withdrawing him from the singles event.