If I were an American Express sponsorship marketing executive or a Nike marketing chief, I’d “feel pretty” happy after the 2006 U.S. Open.  Few people who were anywhere near New York City during the 2005 U.S. Open will forget the American Express Andy Roddick “where’s Andy’s mojo?” campaign.  Fortunately for American Express, Roddick beat PONG many times over while reaching the finals during an inspired run at the 2006 U.S. Open.  Maria Sharapova was, and is, pretty.  Sharapova was, and is, a huge star even if she hadn’t won the 2006 U.S. Open.  Nonetheless, it’s a 140 MPH ace for Nike that she managed to win the 2006 U.S. Open after they launched their massive Maria Sharapova “I feel pretty” TV and online campaign.  Sharapova wore the stunning Audrey Hepburn-inspired black dress for her “nighttime” matches including the women’s final played at night during Saturday night prime-time TV.  Throughout the tournament, her entourage sported various “I feel…” t-shirts as they watched her matches.  But you have to credit these sponsors for taking the plunge because it’s a “pretty” big risk.  Sharapova could have lost in the first round as Roddick did last year.  The good news is that campaigns like these broaden the appeal of tennis stars beyond the core base of tennis fans.  The 2006 U.S. Open was a winning Grand Slam for both the sponsors and the sport of tennis.