diff --git a/tests/unittests/torture_server_x11.c b/tests/unittests/torture_server_x11.c
index 82380425..b12be556 100644
--- a/tests/unittests/torture_server_x11.c
+++ b/tests/unittests/torture_server_x11.c
@@ -71,6 +71,7 @@ static void *client_thread(void *arg) {
     /* unused */
     (void)arg;
 
+    usleep(200);
     session = torture_ssh_session("localhost",
                                   &test_port,
                                   "foo", "bar");