diff --git a/hw/xfree86/dri/xf86dri.c b/hw/xfree86/dri/xf86dri.c
index fdad5f5d4..077e3df80 100644
--- a/hw/xfree86/dri/xf86dri.c
+++ b/hw/xfree86/dri/xf86dri.c
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ ProcXF86DRICloseConnection(register ClientPtr client)
 static int
 ProcXF86DRIGetClientDriverName(register ClientPtr client)
 {
-    char *clientDriverName;
+    char *clientDriverName = NULL;
 
     REQUEST(xXF86DRIGetClientDriverNameReq);
     REQUEST_SIZE_MATCH(xXF86DRIGetClientDriverNameReq);