【International Tournament / Tsu City, Mie Prefecture】＜Pro Events Wild Card Application Notice＞APP JAPAN SKECHERS Open 2026（February 26–March 1, 2026）

Wild card applications are now open for the pro events of the APP JAPAN SKECHERS Open 2026 following competition format revisions and expanded entry slots.

Wild Card Application Forms

Please proceed to the application form corresponding to your event category.

Pro Events｜Notice of Competition Format Changes and Wild Card Applications

Accordingly, following a request from APP, the competition format for the pro events at the APP JAPAN SKECHERS Open 2026 has been partially revised and entry slots expanded.
As a result, application-based wild card positions have been established for selected pro events.

Competition Format Changes (Pro Events)

1. The pro events will adopt a double-elimination tournament format.
2. Players will be eliminated after two losses.
3. The winners’ bracket will determine the champion and runner-up, and the losers’ bracket will determine third place.
4. The winners’ bracket will be played as first to 11 points, best of three games (no deuce except in the final).
5. The losers’ bracket will be played as first to 15 points, single game (no deuce except in the third-place match).

Eligible Events and Number of Wild Card Slots

The number of entry slots for each eligible event has been expanded from 24 to 32.

The following numbers indicate wild card slots, excluding APP invitations and already confirmed entries.

・Men’s Singles PRO: 14 slots
・Men’s Doubles PRO: 9 slots
・Mixed Doubles PRO: 7 slots

※No changes have been made to the women’s singles or women’s doubles events.

Wild Card Selection Process

Wild cards will be allocated through an application-based selection process.
Selections are made based on a comprehensive evaluation of JPA rankings, DUPR ratings, competitive records, recent performance, and overall alignment with the purpose of the tournament.
Please note that individual feedback regarding selection decisions will not be provided.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the designated Google Form for each event category.

Application Schedule

Application opens: Wednesday, February 4
Application deadline: Sunday, February 8 at 23:59 (JST)
Result announcement: Tuesday, February 10

※Pro women’s events remain open for entry until Friday, February 13

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. How many applications are typically received for the wildcard?
A. We cannot provide the number of applications or acceptance ratio in advance. After the application deadline, all submissions for each category will be reviewed and selections will be made based on a comprehensive evaluation.

Q2. Which is given more weight in the selection, the JPA ranking or the DUPR rating?
A. No single metric is prioritized. Selections are made based on an overall assessment that may include JPA rankings, DUPR ratings, competitive results, recent performance, and alignment with the purpose of the tournament.

Q3. Can I apply for doubles or mixed doubles if my partner has not been decided yet?
A. Yes. Applications are accepted even if a partner has not been confirmed. In such cases, pairing will be arranged by the organizer.

Q4. Do both players need to apply for doubles or mixed doubles?
A. No. Only one player from the pair should apply. If multiple applications are submitted from the same pair, we may contact you for confirmation.

Q5. Can the pairing be changed after the organizer assigns partners?
A. In principle, changes to pairings determined by the organizer are not permitted. Please apply with this understanding.

Q6. Are APP invitation slots and existing entries already confirmed?
A. Yes. The number of wildcard slots is set after excluding APP invitation slots and existing entries.

Q7. How will the wildcard selection results be announced?
A. Results will be sent to the email address registered at the time of application. We may also post an announcement on the association’s website or other channels.

Q8. What is the process after being selected as a wildcard?
A. After notification of the selection results, we will provide individual instructions regarding procedures on Tournated and any required actions. Please complete all required steps by the specified deadline.

Q9. If I am not selected as a wildcard, can I still enter through regular entry?
A. This depends on the event and slot availability. Please check the official tournament website and Tournated for details.

Q10. Can I inquire about the specific reasons for the selection decision?
A. We do not provide individual explanations of selection decisions. Thank you for your understanding.

Q11. I have already entered in the General category. Can I apply for a PRO wildcard?
A. Yes. Even if you have already entered in the General category, you may apply for a PRO wildcard. If selected, your category will be changed. Please note that entry fees paid for the General category will be refunded minus system fees, as transaction fees are already deducted when funds are transferred from the payment processor to the association. Details of the refund process will be provided after the selection results are announced.

Q12. If I am unable to compete due to injury or illness, can a player substitution be made?
A. In principle, player substitutions due to injury or illness are not permitted. Please apply and enter with this understanding.