Bernard Tomic has angered disability charities and rights organisations with post-match comments suggesting he was forced to wait for his opponent "like a retard".

At the conclusion of Tomic's five-set win over Fernando Verdasco in the opening round of Wimbledon, the Australian was quizzed about the lengthy rain delays he was forced to endure throughout the match.

At one stage, Tomic returned to the court around eight minutes earlier than his opponent, despite regulations suggesting players must return at the same time.

"Yeah, well, I think because he was up in the locker getting something taped on as when I left and I thought he was leaving, so I just happened to walk out," Tomic said.

Sorry, this video has expired Bernard Tomic says he was forced to wait "like a retard"

"Yeah, I did get to the court prior to him very early, and unfortunately I had to stand on court like a retard."

Co-chief executive of People with Disability Australia Therese Sands says the comments were "degrading and disappointing".

"Using this kind of language is deeply offensive to people with disability, and it is extremely disappointing that Tomic, as a community role model, would use this word," Sands said.

"How we write and speak about people with disability can have a profound effect on the way they are viewed by the community and themselves.

"Some words, by their very nature, degrade and diminish people with disability."

Learning disability charity Mencap has called on Tomic to apologise.

"I'd like the player to apologise and would encourage him to meet people with a learning disability so he can understand why the word is so damaging and offensive," Mencap officer Ciara Lawrence told News Corp.

"I am sick and tired of people in high-profile positions who are respected by the public using this word. It can make the public and people who look up to sports stars think it is OK to use words like this when it's not."