Peter Doig's exploration into the realm of sports, particularly through his work "Ping Pong," extends his intricate examination of everyday life and leisure into the dynamic sphere of table tennis. This painting, created between 2006 and 2008, captures not just the physicality of the game but also invokes a deeper, psychological resonance that Doig is renowned for across his body of work. His approach to depicting scenes of sport, including ping pong, is less about the literal activity and more about the emotional and psychological landscapes it can represent.

In "Ping Pong," Doig employs technical devices that provide strong physical effects, leading to psychological responses from the viewers, thus creating a worldview through the lens of an ordinary yet captivating subject​ (MichaelWernerGallery)​. The painting, like many of Doig's works, might not cater to an immediate audience beyond the artist and his close circle during its creation. Yet, it signifies Doig's deep engagement with painting as a medium to transcend mere representation, aiming to evoke a sense of reality that is both physical and beyond the immediate perception​ (MichaelWernerGallery)​.

The painting was eventually brought to auction, where it found a new owner, indicating its reception and value in the broader art market​ (Art Salon)​. Through "Ping Pong" and similar works, Doig continues to challenge and expand the narrative capabilities of painting, exploring themes of memory, perception, and the essence of mundane activities elevated to the level of art. This painting exemplifies Doig's unique ability to blend the familiar with the surreal, inviting viewers into a contemplative space that exists between reality and imagination.