Defending champion in the singles was Roger Federer , who was able to defend the title for the second time. When he entered the final for the fifth time, it was Federer's third victory in Basel and his 57th overall title on the ATP Tour. In the final he won against David Nalbandian 6: 3, 6: 4. In doubles, the brothers Bob and Mike Bryan no longer competed to defend their title. In this year's final Mahesh Bhupathi and Mark Knowles prevailed in two sets against Christopher Kas and Philipp Kohlschreiber 6: 3 and 6: 3.
The field of participants in the individual competition consisted of 32 players, that of the doubles competition consisted of 16 pairs. The total prize money was 870,000 euros; the total financial liabilities were 891,000 euros.
The qualification took place from October 18-20, 2008. Four qualifying places were played, which entitle them to participate in the main draw of the tournament. There was also a lucky loser.
The following prize money and world ranking points were paid out or credited for reaching the respective round. Players who entered the main field from qualification received the specified qualification points in addition to those for reaching the respective round. Otherwise the amounts are not to be understood as cumulative. The amounts for the double competition apply per team.