diff --git a/fluent/handler.py b/fluent/handler.py
index 5964fa6..8029604 100644
--- a/fluent/handler.py
+++ b/fluent/handler.py
@@ -264,10 +264,9 @@ def close(self):
         self.acquire()
         try:
             try:
-                s = self._sender
-                self._sender = None
-                if s is not None:
-                    s.close()
+                if self._sender is not None:
+                    self._sender.close()
+                    self._sender = None
             finally:
                 super().close()
         finally: