The bad taste will linger long after the event ends January 17, 2021 — 10.00pm Normal text size The Age, email letters@theage.com.au. Please include your home address and telephone number. THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN The bad taste will linger long after the event ends I have attended the Australian Open every year for at least the past decade. But not this year. It is clear the mighty dollar is driving the decision to proceed, despite the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak (we’re still not confident our government has learnt its lessons from the second wave), and many Victorians stranded interstate not allowed back in, while about 1200 tennis stars and their entourages arrive.