It was played at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena in Shanghai, China.

Other top seeds were 2008 Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, reigning US Open champion Juan Martín del Potro and Wimbledon finalist Andy Roddick.

1 Roger Federer had been due to play but withdrew, citing fatigue.

3 Andy Murray was also scheduled to play, but withdrew due to a wrist injury.

[3] The following players received wildcards into the singles main draw: The following players received entry from the qualifying draw: Nikolay Davydenko defeated Rafael Nadal, 7–6(7–3), 6–3 Julien Benneteau / Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Mariusz Fyrstenberg / Marcin Matkowski, 6–2, 6–4.