Lions' Ruan Ackermann (L) vies with Blues' Sam Prattley during the Super Rugby match between the Golden Lions and the Auckland Blues at the Ellis Park rugby stadium on May 14, 2016 in Johannesburg, South Africa. A whirlwind start set up the Golden Lions for a 43-5 triumph over the Auckland Blues on May 14, 2016 after a one sided Super Rugby match played in driving rain. Humiliated at home by the Wellington Hurricanes in their previous match, the South Africans took out their frustrations on another New Zealand team by scoring seven tries in Johannesburg. / AFP / Christian KOTZE (Photo credit should read CHRISTIAN KOTZE/AFP/Getty Images)

Bernard Tomic has comeĀ under fire for his post-match comments on Wednesday, for his use of the word, "retard".

Tomic defeated Fernando Verdasco in a rain interrupted match, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, to advance to the second round.

After the game, he was asked what he thought of Verdasco's time wasting tactics, in which Tomic was made to wait on court for the Spaniard prior to the match.

A reported asked: ā€œTennis etiquette requires that both players arrive on court at the same time. You were kept waiting about eight minutes. Any idea why?ā€

ā€œYeah, 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.Ā Yeah, I did get to the court prior to him very early, and unfortunately I had to stand on court like a retard,ā€ Tomic replied.

Learning disability charity Mencap has called on the No.19 seed to apologise for his comments.

ā€œI'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,"Ā Ciara Lawrence, a campaigns support officer at Mencap, said.

ā€œTime and time again I hear this word used as if it has no effect. People clearly don't understand how upsetting and offensive this is to people with a learning disability like me.

ā€œI 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.

ā€œIt makes people with a learning disability seen not as people but as second class citizens, and is no different to discriminating against someone who is gay or black.ā€