In my mind, I feel that Roger needs to play and beat Rafael in the finals to consolidate his historical legacy. Beating the best clay courter is Roger's next step to greatness, and I don't feel that the impact will be as great if he were to beat Luby instead. Winning four slams in a row is amazing, but beating Rafael is the gem inside the crown.

Problem is Fed would rather not play Nadal in the final

I don't believe his achievment would be undermined at all to be honest

btw it's spooky that Laver completed his GS in 69 by beating Tony Roche in the US open

I'm not so sure about that, ark. You may be right, with Nadal being on the longest ever winning streak on clay and having quite a winning streak against Fed going as well. But I'm sure there's also tht part of Fed that really wants another crack at Nadal.

No, I agree that it would not detract from his career Grand Slam. I just think for him to win the FO, it would be fitting that he beat Nadal in the finals. both of them are competing against history.

It would be fitting if he broke Nadal's clay run you're right.

Also, if we had someone like Roddick in the wimby final, and say Nadal/blake in the US

Nothing against Ljubo, he is a very good player, but he is Federer's bunny if he were somehow beat Rafa, that would probably be his final and I doubt he would be able to challenge Federer. For me it has to be a Federer-Rafa final, hopefully just as good as the one in Rome.