W e’re at Round Hill Hotel and Villas’ 57th Annual Sugar Cane Ball, when in steps the 2013 Wimbledon Women’s tennis champ Marion Bartoli. The French athlete, who beat German player Sabine Lisicki to claim their sport’s most prestigious trophy, is on a vacay to The Rock and is a houseguest at developer James and Manuela Goren’s Tryall Stella By The Sea villa. Ever so gracious, she acquiesces to our convo request, and we move from the auction bid showcases to a corner seat by the bar to talk tennis, accessory lines and the irrepressible Jamaican spirit.

Is this your first visit to Jamaica?

It is and I fell in love with the country right away. The people are so friendly. I came from New York City where everything is a rush and so electric and you are out here, and it feels like being home on vacation. I love the kind of welcome and it makes me feel right at home.

What are you looking forward to doing during your vacay?

Going to the beach, and just listening to the noise of the waves. This beautiful landscape and sunsets, it’s just so, so perfect and relaxing. My friends took me to a beach and I was excited to discover the people. An island is about people and I wanted to meet them. I have been to many beaches all over the world, but this friendship and quietness you don’t find often.

What are you sipping?

Pineapple juice.

Flats or stilettos?

It depends. I love my shoes because it’s a present from one of my best friends. I love to wear them, they are gold and my sneakers look amazing, but I have so many pairs of stilettos, you will find many in my closet.

Jeans or an LBD?

An LBD because I like to wear my heels and I think it looks better on me.

What perfume are you spraying?

Hermès.

What’s your beauty regimen?

I have Dior hydrating cream that is the best, because I am travelling so much. My skin suffered during all the years of playing and all the jet lag. It is really hard to keep your skin in great condition, but it is very important.

What was the most memorable moment of your tennis career?

Winning Wimbledon in 2013. I felt I fulfilled my dreams after 22 years. I finally got it after a long time of sacrifices and practice, but it was worth every second of it. Now I have the trophy in my hand and everywhere I go now I am being introduced as the ‘Wimbledon champion’.

Did you choose tennis or did tennis choose you?

I was doing classical ballet when I was younger. Then I saw the Davis Cup final between France and the United States of America in 1991 in Leon, which was the city next to my village, and that was what drove me. Seeing the crowd, the atmosphere, the players, the French flags all over the place…I really wanted to be there one day and feel that moment.

Who is your tennis idol?

Pete Sampras. He was a bit shy, but classy, and was winning all the time.

Are you a fan of any female players?

Monica Seles. I admire her mental strength.

We hear you are about to launch an accessory line. Give us the deets.

It is going to be called Marion B. I will have three different pieces of accessories. People will be able to e-shop on my website. They are jewellery with a lapel so butterflies, flowers and feathers for men and women for jackets or dresses. I will have wing designs because my whole life I have been about having a halo over my head and I translated that into an accessory so I will do a pair of sneakers and the wings together. The high-end one will be with wings and stilettos because I love my stilettos, too.

The Academy Awards is one week away. Is there anyone you are rooting for to take home an Oscar?

Leonardo DiCaprio. I have always loved him.

Now that you’re no longer actively on the tennis circuit, are there any plans to give back to the sport?

I am doing my own charity and I am starting my own academy in the North of France, and we are supporting persons who don’t have access to anything. I want them to discover tennis. We have a Grand Slam in France and I want to give them an opportunity to play, which is very important to me. I love my charity work and I want people to have the chance to have a smile on their faces.

What’s your idea of the perfect man?

Someone who would take me not for who I am as a tennis player but just who I am inside and try to know me — a person who is friendly and warm and unselfish.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I would hope to become successful in business as I was on the tennis court, and be married and start my family.