On April 28th, 2018, the inaugural USA Pickleball National Championships concluded at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California. This event marked a significant milestone in the history of pickleball, as it was the first time the sport's national championships were held at a prestigious venue known for hosting major tennis tournaments, such as the BNP Paribas Open.

The championship drew over 1,300 players from across the United States, competing in various age and skill divisions. The event showcased the rapid growth and increasing popularity of pickleball, with players ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to top-tier professionals.

One of the highlights of the tournament was the thrilling men's singles final between Ben Johns and Kyle Yates. Johns, who was only 19 years old at the time, managed to defeat the more experienced Yates in a closely contested match, winning 11-8, 3-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6. This victory marked the beginning of Ben Johns' dominance in the sport, as he went on to become one of the most successful pickleball players in the world.

The women's singles final was equally exciting, with Simone Jardim claiming the title after a hard-fought battle against Christine McGrath. Jardim's power and precision were on full display as she secured the championship with a score of 11-6, 11-7, 9-11, 11-3.

The 2018 USA Pickleball National Championships not only showcased the top talent in the sport but also helped to elevate pickleball's profile and legitimacy in the eyes of the public and media. The success of this event paved the way for future high-profile pickleball tournaments and contributed to the sport's continued growth and popularity in the years that followed.